Victor 125d2u

Victor

Chuck Smith

Copyright © 2013 by Chuck Smith.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013910911 ISBN: Hardcover Softcover Ebook

978-1-4836-5523-9 978-1-4836-5522-2 978-1-4836-5524-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 06/12/2013

To order additional copies of this book, : Xlibris Corporation 1-888-795-4274 www.Xlibris.com [email protected] 136789

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

In Memory of

~ Kenneth James Smith ~ August 14, 1958-December 20, 2011

Acknowledgments

S pecial thanks to My Father and My Wife. I also want to thank my friend Beaux Gillis for drawing the cover. Thanks everyone for your . Please enjoy the book.

Chapter 1

S torms are popping up everywhere. Victor is standing in his living room, and lightning is flashing outside as thunder shakes the ground. This is going to be a big one, thinks Victor as he searches for a flashlight. Victor is digging in a drawer when he hears a loud crash coming from the back room. “That was no thunder,” Victor whispers to himself. Thank God , Victor thinks as he finds the flashlight in the back of the drawer. He gently closes the drawer with the flashlight in hand. Victor carefully creeps down the hallway to the back room door. He hears rummaging and loud stomping coming from behind the door. It’s now or never , Victor thinks as he kicks in the door. “What the fuck?” screams Kelsey. “What the hell are you doing here?” Victor asks. “Saving your ass!” Kelsey replies as she guides Victor away from the window. “Stay down and don’t go near the window,” Kelsey orders as she closes the drapes. “You want to tell me what’s going on?” asks Victor. “It’s happening like you said,” Kelsey answers. “I’ve said a lot of things, so you’ll have to be more specific,” Victor replies. Kelsey says, “It’s the people in the town—they’re… they’re…” Victor rubs Kelsey on her back and says, “Calm down and take a deep breath. What exactly is happening with the people in town?” Kelsey breathes deeply and answers, “They are headed this way, and they are not in their right mind.” Victor says, “When you say headed this way, do you mean headed this general direction or coming for me?”

Kelsey boldly answers, “Coming for you, genius!” Victor says, “OK, OK, you don’t have to yell. Why are they coming for me? I don’t talk to anyone around here. I’m trying to keep a low profile.” Kelsey replies, “That’s just it, they don’t know you. They are freaking out about the storms and think you have something to do with them.” Victor asks, “Why would they think something ridiculous like that?” Kelsey says, “Because of that one time you were drinking at the local bar. You were talking with a guy and a girl. They wanted to do a tarot reading on you. You said OK for fun. They did the cards, and what the cards said scared them. You said a few cocky things, then the rain started pouring. You went outside and held your hands up, and the clouds parted and the sun shined through.” Victor says, “Yea, but that was a coincidence. I it it made me look cool, but that’s all.” Kelsey replies, “They don’t see it that way. According to the readings on those cards, they think you are someone powerful, and rather than find out what kind of power, they would rather kill you first than ask questions.” Victor says, “That’s just absolutely crazy.” Kelsey says, “Well, crazy or not, that doesn’t change the fact that they are headed this way and they are not in the mood to talk. Now get dressed and let’s get the fuck out of here.” Victor asks, “How far away are they?” Kelsey loudly replies, “Not far now. Get your shit together, and let’s go.” Victor asks, “Where are we going?” Kelsey says, “My dad has an old fishing cabin out by the lake. Nobody knows about it. We can hold out there while we figure out the next move. Don’t just stand there. Let’s go! I see some lights topping the hill.” Victor says, “This is why I hate drinking with townsfolk. They’re just so

dramatic.” Kelsey yells, “This is not a game. Now let’s go!” Victor and Kelsey sneaks out the back and makes their way toward Kelsey’s dad’s cabin. They get out of there just in time because the townsfolk throw bricks through the windows and scream as they light the place on fire and watch it burn. Victor sees this off in the distance and says to Kelsey, “I was looking for a good excuse to build a new computer and buy some new furniture.” Kelsey asks, “How can you joke at a time like this?” Victor says, “How can you not?” When they arrive at the cabin, they notice cobwebs all over it. This is a good sign that nobody’s been here for a long time. Kelsey says, “It may be dusty, but it’s definitely off the grid.” Victor asks Kelsey if the place has Wi-Fi, and Kelsey slaps him. She says, “Now is not the time to be cute. You start thinking of what we do next.” Victor says, “Those people just torched all my stuff. I can joke if I want.” Kelsey says, “I don’t think you realize the seriousness of the situation. Soon as that fire goes out, they will sift through the ashes and discover that you got away.” Victor says, “Think back to the bar before you went to my house. What exactly were the people doing before they freaked out and came after me?” Kelsey replies, “They were gathered around a poker table. They were playing with cards but not playing cards. These had pictures on them and were bigger than regular cards.” Victor says, “That’s just great. Those people are amateurs playing with tarot cards who haven’t the slightest clue as to how to read them. They are jumping to conclusions, and I bet I can tell you who is guiding their thoughts in this matter. Was the guy reading the cards with a skinny slutty-looking girl?” Kelsey replies, “Yes, as a matter of fact, she was dealing the cards as he

interpreted the meaning to the crowd.” Victor exclaims, “Just as I thought! That is the same guy who tried to give me a reading that day I was drinking at the bar. The girl who was dealing the cards dealt one too many, and they read them anyway. I saw terror in their eyes when the rain started. I went outside and held my hands up as the clouds parted and the sun shined through. I was thrilled to see how much it messed with their head. I didn’t think anything of it at the time. That was a couple weeks ago. I guess they are still scared and want to get the whole town involved to do their dirty work.” Kelsey says, “This is just a stupid game. Why would they take it so seriously, and what exactly would they want to kill you for? Victor answers, “Those are great questions. For one, the guy and the girl playing the cards don’t think it’s a game. They think of it more like a religion. Playing the cards makes them feel powerful. When I came along and acted so calm about their reading and showed no weakness, they got scared. Most of the time, when they do their reading on people, it rattles the person being read.” Kelsey asks, “Who are this guy and girl?” Victor replies, “I don’t know their names or where they came from. I first saw them that day at the bar. They have only been around town for a couple weeks. I think our next move should be to find out all the information we can on that guy and girl. We will have to sneak back into town and gather all the intel we can without being seen.” Kelsey says, “That sounds great. We will do that first thing in the morning. But as for now, I’m getting some sleep. It’s been a hell of a day. You can crash on the couch. I’ll be in the bedroom.” It is foggy the next morning. Kelsey is up and has coffee ready. Victor sits up on the couch and says, “That coffee sure smells good.” Kelsey replies, “It may be a few years old, but it tastes fresh as can be. So what’s the plan?” Victor sips his coffee and says, “We have to find out where the guy and the girl are staying. If we stake out the bar, I’m sure we can follow them back to their place. While we are watching the bar, let’s also keep an eye on the townsfolk.

They’re up to something, and I want to know what it is.” Kelsey says “great plan” as she takes off her robe, revealing her naked behind, and slips into the bathroom for a quick shower.

Chapter 2

V ictor and Kelsey approach the town in the shadows of the trees. They find a nice cozy spot across from the bar but out of sight. They watch as the guy and the girl enter the bar. Kelsey says to Victor, “I’m headed over to the bar for a closer look.” Victor says, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Kelsey explains, “Yes, they don’t know I’m with you. They are only after you. I can blend in with the crowd and get the information we are looking for.” Victor says, “OK, please be careful. I’ll meet you back at the cabin. I’m going to see if I can get us some supplies from what’s left of my house.” Kelsey goes into the bar and takes a seat near the poker table. She watches as the guy and the girl begin their tarot reading on some of the people in the bar. The bartender asks Kelsey, “What will it be, sweetie?” Kelsey replies, “A whiskey sour, make it a double.” The bartender says, “Now that’s a drink for a woman who knows what she wants.” Kelsey casually asks, “So what’s up with that guy and girl?” The bartender answers, “Those two, they have been in here every day and night for the past couple weeks. The guy’s name is Donny, and the girl is named Jackie. They are real serious about reading everyone in the town. It looks as if they are trying to find someone through their readings. Just last night, they led all my customers out of here in a fit of rage. I heard later on the news they torched some guy’s house. The cops won’t do anything because they found no evidence of anyone being hurt and the owner of the house hasn’t come forward to press charges. That is crazy, if you ask me.”

Kelsey says, “Wow,” and walks over to the poker table and sits. She watches as Jackie deals the cards and Donny describes his version of the meaning. The people all around hang on his every word. This is so intense. Kelsey decides to finish her drink and make her way back to the cabin. As she’s getting up, Donny says, “Miss, what’s your hurry? Why don’t you stick around, and I’ll give you a free reading.” Kelsey says, “Maybe some other time. I have things to do.” Donny asks, “What kind of things?” Kelsey firmly says, “None of your fucking business! Now if you don’t mind!” Donny looks shocked and says, “Just being friendly.” Kelsey says, “Whatever!” and storms out of the bar. Victor arrives at what’s left of his house. He sees that his fireproof safe is still intact and buried under some rubble. “Thank God they didn’t see this,” Victor says to himself as he digs out the safe. He pulls from the safe an uned smartphone enhanced with features that are unavailable to the public. He pulls out $10,000 cash and a port with a new identity. Victor thinks to himself, I’m glad I stashed this away for a rainy day. Just then he hears some vehicles coming from up the road. Victor dashes behind a tree and watches. The vehicles approach the burnt rubble that used to be Victor’s house. Three men in black suits get out and start searching through the ashes. One says to the other, “What exactly are we looking for?” The other answers, “Donny said just find the body and bury it in the woods. He also said there should be a safe and to bring it to him.” One of the men says to the others, “I found the safe. It looks to be unlocked and empty. As for the body, I don’t see a body.” At this point, Victor decides to get back to the cabin. Kelsey arrives at the cabin first and gets out a couple MREs (meals ready to eat). She says to herself, “Good old dad and his army food.”

Victor opens the door and says “What is that?” Kelsey answers, “Lunch.” Victor says, “Nothing like nonperishable food to satisfy a hunger.” Kelsey says, “It’s been years since anyone’s been here. What kind of food do you expect?” Victor says, “Yea, Yea, Yea. So what did you find out?” Kelsey replies, “The guy’s name is Donny, and the girl is named Jackie. The bartender says they have been in town for a couple weeks. He mentioned the whole crowd left last night in a fit of rage.” Victor says, “Yea, to burn my house down.” Kelsey asks, “How did things go with you? Were you able to get any supplies?” Victor answers, “I saw a few guys there searching the ashes. They were looking for my body and my safe. They mentioned a guy named Donny sent them. Kelsey replies, “Yea, that’s the card reader!” Victor says, “No shit, Sherlock, I kind of figured that one out.” Kelsey slaps him on the knee and says, “That bastard tried to give me a reading. I told him no, I had things to do. He asked me what kind of things. At that point, I got mad and told him to mind his business, and left.” Victor says, “Good news is, I got to my safe just before the men in suits got there. I was able to recover a few things.” Kelsey says, “I didn’t know you had a safe.” Victor says, “It is for a rainy day. Ironically, it was raining last night.” Kelsey asks, “What did you get?” Victor replies, “I got a high-tech phone. Don’t worry, it is uned and untraceable. I also got a new port and a couple bucks.”

Kelsey says, “Wow, a couple bucks that will get us far.” Victor smiles and says, “$10,000 to be more exact.” Kelsey smiles big and stands up and says, “Where did you get that kind of money?” Victor replies, “I have my ways.”

Chapter 3

V ictor and Kelsey are sitting at the kitchen table in the cabin. It is starting to get dark outside. Victor says to Kelsey, “We accomplished a lot today, but we still have not completed our primary goal, which is to find out where Donny and Jackie are staying.” Kelsey replies, “It is getting dark, we could go stake out the bar and follow them home when it closes. Victor says, “Great idea.” They stand up and head for the cabin door. Victor stops and re the phone. He says to Kelsey, “Let’s take this phone. It can be used as binoculars and also can amplify sound from far away. With this, we will be able to see and hear everything going on in the bar. Kelsey says, “You’re such a geek.” And they head toward the bar. Across from the bar, Victor and Kelsey sit in the shadows watching the bar. They see Donny and Jackie working the crowd with the tarot cards. The bartender is serving drinks, and the crowd is fixated on the cards when three men walk in. It is the same three men that were at Victor’s house earlier that day. They walk up to the poker table, and Donny whispers something into Jackie’s ear. Jackie starts reading the cards, and Donny steps away to talk privately with the three men. They tell Donny they found the safe but it was empty and there was no dead body at the scene. Donny gets red in the face and yells at the three men. He tells them to find Victor and not to come back empty handed. The three men say, “Yes, sir,” and leave the bar. Kelsey says to Victor, “Why does this Donny want you dead, and how does he know you?”

Victor says, “I don’t know, this guy acts as if he knows more about me than just that one night at the bar. If I didn’t know better, I would say he’s here on a mission.” Kelsey says, “What kind of mission?” Victor replies, “That’s what I intend to find out.” When the bar closes, all the customers start leaving. The last to leave are Donny and Jackie. Before they leave, Donny goes to the restroom, and Jackie talks with the bartender. Jackie gets close and flirts with the bartender, rubbing her chest against him. The bartender grabs her and kisses her ionately and grabs her ass. Jackie steps back and straitens out her blouse just as Donny exits the restroom. Donny walks up and puts his arm around Jackie and tips his hat at the bartender and walks out with Jackie. Seeing this, Kelsey turns to Victor and says, “Cheating ass bitch.” Victor says, “Donny has no clue.” Donny and Jackie walk to a nice red sports car parked out front. They sit in the car kissing for about thirty minutes. This is good because it gives Victor and Kelsey time to hot-wire a car to follow them with. As the red sports car drives off, Victor and Kelsey follow them in a beat-up old four-cylinder coupé. This makes it a challenge, but they manage to follow them all the way back to Donny and Jackie’s place. They are staying at a nice upscale hotel. Their room is on the third floor. Victor says to Kelsey, “Now we have to figure out how to get in their room and look for clues as to what they are up to.” Kelsey, without missing a beat, says, “I have an idea.” Kelsey gets out of the car and goes straight into the lobby and pulls the fire alarm and then hides in the restroom waiting for the place to clear out. After about ten minutes, Victor meets Kelsey in the restroom and tells her the coast is clear. They make their way to the third floor. Victor says, “I used the phone binoculars and was able to see them exit room

313.” Kelsey says, “Well, don’t just stand there. We have to hurry before they realize it’s a false alarm and go back to their room.” Victor says, “Let’s do this.” They enter the room and tear everything apart. They pull out all the drawers and dump them on the floor. They turn over all the furniture. The only thing in the room that may have information is the laptop. Victor quickly takes out his phone and touches the laptop with it. The phone copies all the data in about five seconds. Kelsey says, “You got all that in five seconds.” Victor says, “I’m working on making it faster. Quit complaining.” Kelsey smiles, and they put a business card from the bar on the pillow with a note written on the back that says “Call me, Jackie.” As they’re leaving, Kelsey says, “I bet that fucks with the little slut.” They put the four-cylinder car back where they found it and go back to the cabin. Victor says to Kelsey, “That was crazy trashing the room when we could have just got the info off the computer, and nobody would have even known we were there.” Kelsey replies, “Those fuckers burnt your place. They had it coming. Besides, now Jackie is sweating thinking it was the jealous bartender. They have no clue you retrieved all the info from their computer. I’m curious to see how this plays out.” Victor says, “We will see tomorrow on the stakeout across from the bar. In the meantime, let’s check out the data from the computer.” Kelsey says, “Great idea.” Victor pulls out his phone and searches through all the info they retrieved. He gets this weird look on his face and says, “What in the world…” Kelsey says, “What did you find?”

Victor says, “It looks like blueprints to the church on Main Street. It also has the blueprints to the abandoned warehouse across the street from the church. Not to mention a map of the entire power grid in the state.” Kelsey asks, “What do you think they are up to?” Victor says, “I’m not sure. Let’s plan on visiting the church tomorrow while we are in town.” Kelsey says, “I better do that. I don’t want anyone in town to see you.” Victor says, “Good thinking. I’ll stake out the bar and you check out the church.” Kelsey says, “I’m headed to bed now to sleep for what’s left of the night.”

Chapter 4

T he next morning, Kelsey is up drinking coffee in her robe at the table. Victor sits across from her and asks, “How did you sleep?” Kelsey replies in a smart tone, “Not much.” Victor says, “I hear you.” They finish their morning coffee and head to town. Victor takes his phone and hides across the street from the bar to gather intel. Kelsey makes her way to the church. At the church, Kelsey notices something strange. There is a limousine parked out front. This would be normal if there is a wedding or a funeral. This limo is there for some other reason. Inside, the church is dark. The minister is wearing a solid white suit with a purple tie. He is talking on his cell phone when Kelsey walks up and asks, “How is it going?” The minister says, “Fine. May I help you with something?” Kelsey says, “I’m here to see what the church is like. I notice you have a limo out front. Is that for the church?” The minister says, “That’s none of your concern.” He tells the people on the phone he would have to call them back. Kelsey says, “Why so rude? I’m only checking out the place.” The minister says, “The limo is for one of our guests.” Just then, two tall men in solid black suits step out of the confessional booth. They nod at the minister then walk out and get in the limo and ride off. The minister turns to Kelsey and says, “This is a bad time. You’ll have to check out the place some other time.” Then the minister ushers Kelsey out the door and locks it behind her.

Kelsey peeks in the window and sees the minister step into the confessional booth and close the door.

* * *

Victor sits across the street from the bar. Using his phone, he watches and listens. Donny is with Jackie. They appear to be getting along fine. They are playing the tarot cards as usual. This is surprising to Victor because of what happened the night before in the hotel. Victor does notice one thing different. The bartender is not there. Just then, Kelsey shows up and s Victor behind the trees. They both watch and listen. Kelsey says to Victor, “Look, it’s the bartender.” Victor looks, and sure enough, it’s the bartender. He is beside the building and is talking with the three men in black suits that were at the burnt-down house. Things start to look heated, and the men grab the bartender and put a bag over his head. A limousine pulls up. The three men escort the bartender to the limo. The limo door opens, and two tall men in solid black suits get out. The two tall men walk around the building to the back. The three men in black get in the limo with the bartender and drive off. Kelsey says, “That’s strange. I saw that limo and those two guys at the church earlier today.” Victor says, “Oh yea?” Kelsey says, “They were in the confessional booth when I got there. They left and got in that limo. Then the minister rudely escorted me out of the church and locked the door. I looked in the window and saw the minister go into the confessional booth and close the door.” Victor says, “There’s something fishy about that.” Kelsey asks, “What do you think they are going to do to the bartender?”

Victor answers, “I’m sure it’s not pretty.” Kelsey notices that Jackie and Donny are getting along as if nothing happened last night. Kelsey says, “That’s crazy how they are so calm.” Victor says, “Tell me about it.” Kelsey says, “Let’s head over to the abandoned warehouse across from the church.” Victor replies, “Good idea.” When they get to the warehouse, Victor and Kelsey sneak around back. They find an unlocked door and go in. Inside, they find the place deserted. The only things there are some boxes and a laptop in a small office area. Victor quickly copies all the files from the computer to his smart phone. Kelsey starts looking through the boxes. Kelsey finds a file with Victor’s name on it. She’s just about to open it when they hear a door slam and people talking. Victor says, “Quick, let’s get out of here.” Startled, Kelsey drops the file back in the box and leaves with Victor. Victor and Kelsey hide beside the building and watch. They see parked out front the same limo they have been seeing all day. Victor says to Kelsey, “I bet the bartender is in there. I feel kind of responsible for getting him in this trouble.” Kelsey says in a sarcastic tone, “You think.” Victor replies, “We can’t just leave him. We have to get him out of there.” Kelsey says, “What’s the plan?” Victor says, “Last I saw, it was the three men that Donny sent to kill me in that limo. I will go in the front and distract them. It’s me they want, so they will not be watching the bartender as close. You go in the back and grab the bartender and sneak him out back. Once you have the bartender to safety, tell him to run. Then you get your ass back in the warehouse and help me get out of there in one piece.” Kelsey says, “I’m ready when you are.”

Kelsey takes her place by the back door. Victor walks right through the front door like he owns the place. The three men in black suits are standing around the bartender who is tied up in a chair. The three men see Victor, and one yells, “Get him!” The three men start coming at Victor. Victor just smiles and stands there calm and cool. While Victor is distracting the three men, Kelsey makes it to the bartender, who says, “I’m so glad to see you.” Kelsey says, “Cut the small talk and let’s get moving.” Kelsey and the bartender make it to the back door. Kelsey tells the bartender to run and stay out of town for a while. The bartender says, “Thanks,” and runs away. Kelsey then turns back to the warehouse and says, “Now for some unfinished business.” Kelsey looks across the room to see Victor doing some kind of martial art. He is kicking one man while holding another in a headlock. Kelsey sees the third man getting up and heading toward Victor with a crowbar. Kelsey screams, “Not on my watch, fucker!” and runs at the man with the crowbar. Kelsey punches the man in the face and grabs him in a hugging grip. She then proceeds to bite his nipple off, then bites into his shoulder. The man screams in agonizing pain as Kelsey then kicks him as hard as she can in his testicles. The man falls over and es out. Victor is still fighting the two other men. He still has the one in a headlock while the other he is holding off by kicking him every time he gets close. Kelsey says, “Do I have to do everything?” then picks up the crowbar and smashes the man that is standing in the face. The man screams in agony as he falls to the ground holding his bloody nose. Kelsey then says, “Fuck it,” and smashes the bloody man in the back of the head, causing him to out. Kelsey then walks up to Victor who is still holding the man in a headlock. She rolls her eyes and grabs the man’s testicles and starts twisting. The man screams out like a little girl. He just keeps screaming. Kelsey demands, “What the fuck are you doing in my town?” The man just cries in pain. Kelsey twists harder and says even more sternly, “What the fuck are you doing in my town?” The man cries out, “Donny will kill me.” Kelsey yells, “Donny is the least of your worries right now.” Then she twists as hard as she can. The man screams then es out.

Victor says to Kelsey, “Remind me not to piss you off.” Kelsey smiles and kisses Victor on the cheek, and they walk toward the back door. As they’re ing the office area, Kelsey says, “I almost forgot.” She then walks into the office and grabs the file that has Victor’s name on it.

Chapter 5

B ack at the cabin, Victor and Kelsey are sitting at the kitchen table. Victor says, “You sure cleaned up at the warehouse.” Kelsey replies, “That was nothing. You should see me when I’m trying.” Victor smiles real big and says, “OK, so what did you get from the warehouse?” Kelsey fans her face with the file, then tosses it on the table in front of Victor. Victor says, “Jackpot,” then opens it up. He reads for a minute and sips his coffee and reads some more. Kelsey says, “What does it say already?” Victor replies, “You were right. It is just like I said it would be. This file is a medical chart from when I was a child. I was always different. My parents could never persuade me to do anything. I always had to have all the facts and would only do the logical thing. That doesn’t sound so bad, but it drove my parents crazy. They couldn’t bribe me with candy or anything for that matter. They decided to get me checked. I was then referred to a brain specialist who did some tests and discovered a small difference in my brain that enables me to think different than everyone else. It’s a lot of medical mumbo jumbo, so to keep it simple, I’ll just sum it up in simple English. I can determine the truth in any situation one hundred times faster than the average person.” Kelsey replies, “So what does this have to do with Donny and Jackie?” Victor says, “I’m getting to that. , I told you that one day they would all come after me. Well, that’s what happened the other night when they burnt down my house. Donny has a special gift of persuasion. He can pretty much convince anyone to do anything.” Kelsey says, “Except for you.”

Victor says, “Exactly. That’s why Donny wants me out of the picture. He knows I’m the only one in the world who can see through his lies and can explain to the people the pure logical truth. As you saw with the house burning, Donny is very powerful.” Kelsey says in a confident tone, “As you saw at the warehouse. I’m powerful too.” Victor laughs and says, “Yes, you are, yes, you are.” Kelsey asks, “What’s Jackie have to do with this?” Victor answers, “She is Donny’s girlfriend. She has no clue as to what Donny’s up to. If she did, she would not have cheated with the bartender. I think she’s just along for the ride. This is actually a good thing for us.” Kelsey replies, “What do you mean?” Victor answers, “She’s Donny’s weakness.” Kelsey asks, “If she knew the truth about Donny, what do you think she would do?” Victor replies, “Just like all the people Donny is mentally abusing, she would feel betrayed and want justice.” Kelsey asks, “How is this good for us?” Victor answers “Once she knows the truth, she will want justice. That’s when we have a chance to get her to help us. We will get her to stick with Donny and act as if nothing is wrong. She can then keep us informed as to what Donny’s planning next.” Kelsey asks, “Are you sure that will work?” Victor says, “It could go either way. If she’s in love with Donny, it might be more of a challenge. Love is very powerful, and as you know, Donny is good at using that power against people. He will just twist the truth till it looks right and get people to do what he wants.

Kelsey says, “Bastard.” Victor says, “You got that right.” Kelsey replies, “I’m sure Jackie’s not totally in love with Donny. the bartender?”

Chapter 6

K elsey wakes in the morning to find Victor already sitting at the kitchen table. He is playing with his phone. Kelsey says, “You’re up early.” Victor replies, “I’ve been sifting through all the data we acquired from the laptop in the warehouse. According to all the data we’ve collected so far, it looks as if Donny is planning something big.” Kelsey says, “Just how big are we talking?” Victor answers, “Big enough to take over the entire state.” Kelsey remarks, “Oh, is that all?” Victor says, “No, that’s not even the half of it. It appears Donny doesn’t want to stop there. He is looking at world domination.” Kelsey says, “Typical bad guy.” Victor says, “Donny won’t even come close to taking over the city if I have anything to do with it.” Kelsey asks, “Just what is Donny’s plan?” Victor replies, “That’s what we should be figuring out. All I know so far is, it has something to do with that church, the warehouse, and the state’s power grid. I did find a file on the power station just outside of town. It does not say much. It only has pictures of the inner workings of the station. I got online this morning while I was waiting for you to wake up. I discovered the station is mostly unmanned. Only once a day a technician does a quick inspection to make sure things are running smooth. The rest of the day, nobody’s there.” Kelsey asks, “What time does the tech do the inspection?” Victor answers, “Good question. The tech makes his rounds about 3:00 p.m. and

is finished no later than 5:00 p.m. The tech does this Monday through Friday. On the weekends, the inspections are at various times.” Kelsey replies, “I suppose that is where we are headed next.” Victor says, “You know it, but first I’m having some waffles.” Kelsey says, “Mmmmm, waffles.” Victor and Kelsey arrive at the power station. They discover parked next to the fence is the same limo they have seen all week. Victor motions to Kelsey to stay low and keep quiet. They sneak up to the limo and peek inside. The only person in the limo is the driver. Victor turns to say something to Kelsey when he notices she is at the limo door punching the driver repeatedly in the face till the driver falls out of the car unconscious. Kelsey says, “I figured you wanted to search the limo. I thought this would help.” Victor says, “I think you just love beating the shit out of people.” Kelsey kicks the driver out of the way and starts searching the limo. Victor decides to search the driver and finds an itinerary in the driver’s pocket. Victor also finds printed driving directions from the Internet. Kelsey finds a gun in the glove box and some matches from the bar. Victor notices the minister from the church and two tall men in black suits headed toward the car. Victor says, “Kelsey, we’ve got trouble. Let’s get out of here.” By then, the men have spotted Victor and Kelsey and start running at them. Kelsey screams, “Get behind me!” Kelsey then pulls out the gun from the glove box and shoots one of the men on the foot and the other in the knee. The minister dives behind a bush. Kelsey yells to Victor, “Get in the limo!” Victor gets in the limo, and Kelsey punches the gas. As they are leaving, Kelsey takes the liberty to ram one of the men as he is trying to get up. Victor says to Kelsey, “Was that necessary?” Kelsey smiles and says, “Absolutely.”

Victor says, “I think you’re having just a little too much fun.” Kelsey asks, “What did you find?” Victor replies, “I found an itinerary and some driving directions from the Internet. Being as if we now have a car, why don’t we see where they lead?” Kelsey says, “Let me see those directions.” Victor hands her the directions. Kelsey looks at the directions and says, “I know this place. This is the big dam on the river. It is responsible for generating over half the electricity in the state. The power station we were just at is the only link between it and the town.” Victor says, “It’s starting to look like Donny wants to turn off the electricity in the town.” Kelsey asks, “Why would he want to do that?” Victor replies, “To gain the trust of the people in the town. This is a way Donny can get the people to depend on him. He will cause a problem. Then he will solve it.” Kelsey replies, “I thought he already had control over the town. I mean, he got them to torch your house.” Victor says, “Yea, but that’s a small thing compared to what Donny has planned.” Kelsey asks, “What do you want to do next?” Victor answers, “A couple things. First, we should return the limo. Then we have to get to Jackie and find out just where she stands.” Kelsey says, “When we return the limo, I want to send a message to Donny.” Victor says, “Oh yea, what’s that?” Kelsey says, “I want Donny to know that nobody fucks with us.” Victor asks, “Just how do you plan to do that?” Kelsey says, “Just trust me on this one.”

Victor replies, “Do I really have a choice?” Kelsey pulls round the corner from the bar and tells Victor to get out and head back to the cabin. Victor asks, “What are you going to do?” Kelsey says, “Just get back to the cabin. I’ll be there shortly.” Victor gets out and starts jogging back toward the cabin. Kelsey floors the gas and squeals toward the bar with no intention of stopping. Kelsey jumps out of the limo as it smashes in the front window of the bar. It immediately catches fire. All the people pile out of the bar, including Donny and Jackie. Kelsey screams, “Hey, Donny.” Donny looks up and sees Kelsey shooting him the middle finger.

Chapter 7

B ack at the cabin, Victor waits for Kelsey. He is starting to get worried when Kelsey finally arrives. Victor says, “Thank God you made it. I was starting to get worried.” Kelsey says, “Of course I made it. No need to worry.” Victor asks, “What did you do?” Kelsey says, “Pull up the news on your phone and see for yourself.” Victor pulls up the latest news and gets a shocking look on his face. Victor says, “That’s nuts. You’re all over the news. You said you were going to return the limo, but this is ridiculous.” Kelsey says, “Yea, but I think he got the message.” Victor says, “Unfortunately, now Donny knows you’re working with me. We both have to keep out of sight. We have to find a way to talk to Jackie without anyone, especially Donny, finding out.” Kelsey replies, “This will be tricky since the bar is shut down for remodeling.” Victor says, “At least we know where they are staying. Perhaps we can talk to Jackie at the hotel.” Kelsey says, “That’s a great idea.” Victor says, “We should stake out the hotel. We will keep an eye on their room. I know that hotel has a nice bar in the lobby. I’m sure Jackie can’t resist having a drink or two.” Kelsey says, “Let me take a quick shower, and I’ll be ready in five minutes.” Victor and Kelsey head toward the hotel. It’s starting to get dark outside, so this

makes it easy to keep out of sight. As they round the corner to the hotel, they see parked out front the red sports car. Victor says to Kelsey, “I see they are here. There’s their car.” Kelsey says, “I want to get a closer look. Let me see your phone.” Victor hands her the phone, and she takes a look at the third floor. Kelsey can actually see through the window into Donny and Jackie’s room. She sees Donny yelling at Jackie. Jackie screams back and throws a wine glass at Donny. Jackie then storms out of the room and heads for the lobby. Kelsey turns to Victor and says, “Now’s my chance to talk to her. I bet you she’s headed straight for the bar in the lobby to get a drink. You keep an eye on the room, and I’ll talk to Jackie.” Victor says, “Sounds great. I’ll let you know if Donny is headed that way.” Kelsey gets up and makes her way across the street to the hotel. Once inside, Kelsey goes to the bar and waits. About a minute later, Jackie storms into the bar and demands a red wine. Jackie is so mad she does not notice Kelsey sitting at the bar. Kelsey walks up to Jackie and softly touches her on the back. Jackie jerks away and turns to look at Kelsey. Jackie starts to panic when she sees Kelsey. Kelsey quickly puts her finger to her lips and says, “Shhh, it’s OK, I’m only here to talk.” Jackie says, “You’re the one who smashed the limo into the bar earlier today.” Kelsey says, “Yes, that was me.” Jackie says, “You shot Donny the middle finger. He was pissed. As a matter of fact, he’s still bitching about that. That’s why I had to get out of there and get a drink. What did he do to make you so mad?” Kelsey answers, “He burnt down my friend Victor’s house.” Jackie says, “I that. Donny got the crowd all riled up with his tarot cards. He convinced them to burn down an old abandoned house just outside of town.” Kelsey replies, “Abandoned house my ass. That was Victor’s house. Donny

knew good and well that house was not abandoned.” Jackie says, “I had no idea. I’m sorry to hear that. Why would Donny want to burn Victor’s house down?” Kelsey answers, “To kill Victor.” Jackie says, “Donny wouldn’t try to hurt anyone. He may lose his temper now and then, but he’s harmless.” Kelsey replies, “Bullshit, he’s harmless. He’s got big plans. Can’t you see he’s brainwashing the people?” Jackie says, “Look, I have to get back to the room. You better go before Donny sees you.” Kelsey says, “Will you at least think about what I said?” Jackie says loudly, “My Donny is a sweetheart. Just leave me alone.” Jackie then storms out of the bar and heads back to her room. Kelsey leaves the bar and meets back up with Victor across the street. Kelsey says to Victor, “No dice, the bitch is blinded by love.” Victor says, “Don’t be so sure. Check it out.” Victor hands Kelsey the phone and points it toward the room. Kelsey can see and hear what’s happening. She sees Jackie confronting Donny. Jackie says, “That house you had burned down the other day. Was someone living in it?” Donny says, “Of course not, dear. That was just a sacrifice the people made to show their faith.” Jackie says, “Their faith in what?” Donny replies, “Their faith in me.” Jackie says, “I think you’re letting that card game get to your head.” Donny says, “Nonsense, my dear. The people are looking for a leader. I just want

to give them what they want—a leader that knows what’s best for them.” Jackie says, “And I suppose that leader is you?” Donny says, “Why, yes, who else is there, my dear?” Jackie asks, “Why did you want them to show you faith by having them burn down a house?” Donny replies, “It was just a test to see where they stand.” Jackie asks, “Are you sure the place was abandoned?” Donny says, “Of course, my dear, I would never want to hurt anyone.” Jackie asks, “What’s up with that girl crashing that limo into the bar earlier? Why did she call your name and shoot you the finger?” Donny answers, “That must have been a protester. I’ve never seen her before. People like her are always there to try and stop any new leader from rising to power.” Jackie asks, “Why do you want to be the leader of this town?” Donny says, “Why are you asking me so many questions?” Jackie says, “A lot has happened. I’m just concerned, that’s all.” Donny says, “You have nothing to be concerned with. Now get some sleep, my dear. We have a big day tomorrow.” The lights go out in the hotel room. Kelsey turns to Victor and says, “That Donny is such a fucking liar.” Victor says, “Yea, but did you see the look on Jackie’s face? She has doubts. Give her some time, and we will try to talk to her again. In the meantime, if they have a big day tomorrow, so do we. Let’s plan on being here at sunrise, and we will follow them and see what Donny’s up to.” Kelsey says, “We will have to get a car.”

Victor says, “I’m confident you will figure that one out.” Kelsey laughs out loud and says, “You know me too well.”

Chapter 8

T he next morning, Victor wakes to find Kelsey gone. He makes his way to the kitchen and brews some coffee. He is sipping his coffee when he sees some headlights pull up in the driveway. He puts down his cup and heads to the window. He looks out the window and sees Kelsey getting out of a nice convertible. Victor walks outside and says, “This is nice. Won’t the owner know it’s missing?” Kelsey replies, “The owner is on vacation and won’t be back for a week.” Victor asks, “How do you know that?” Kelsey says, “I have my ways.” Victor says, “That’s good enough for me.” Kelsey smiles and heads into the cabin. Once in the cabin, Kelsey says, “Mmmm, I smell coffee.” Victor says, “I just made it.” They sit at the table and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, then get ready to go. Victor says, “We better hurry so we don’t miss them leaving.” Kelsey says, “Thus the reason I already have the car.” Victor and Kelsey jump into the convertible and speed off to the hotel. Parked out front, Victor and Kelsey watch the hotel room. They see the lights on. Kelsey grabs the phone and takes a look at what’s going on. Kelsey says, “Oh, how gross.”

Victor says, “What?” Kelsey says, “They’re having sex with the lights on and no covers.” Victor says, “Give me that phone,” and takes a look. Sure enough, Kelsey was right. Victor puts down the phone and says, “Let’s give them a moment to finish up and get ready. I see a doughnut shop up the block. I’ll run, get us some breakfast, and you keep an eye on the room. I’ll be back in two minutes.” Victor hurries to the doughnut shop while Kelsey keeps an eye on the room. Victor returns with the doughnuts and some coffee and asks, “What’s happening now?” Kelsey replies, “They are getting out of the shower and dressing.” Victor says, “Good, just enough time to eat my doughnuts and finish my coffee.” Just as Victor and Kelsey finish up their coffee, they see Donny and Jackie leaving the hotel and heading for the red sports car. As the red sports car drives off, Victor and Kelsey follow. They stay back far enough to not be seen by Donny and Jackie. Victor says to Kelsey, “It looks as if they are headed to the power station just outside of town.” Kelsey says, “That it does.” They approach the power station, but the red car keeps on going. Kelsey says, “I thought for sure they were headed to the power station.” Victor says, “I’m not positive, but I bet they are headed to the big dam that supplies power to over half the state.” Kelsey says, “I think you’re right.” They drive about an hour, and as they get close to the dam, the red car starts to slow down. The red car pulls into the parking lot at the dam and turns off. Kelsey parks a couple rows over from Donny and Jackie. Victor and Kelsey watch as Donny and Jackie get in line at the front gate and purchase tickets for a tour. Kelsey says to Victor, “Why are they getting tickets for a tour?”

Victor answers, “Donny wants to scope the place out. Taking the tour is a perfect way to do that and keep Jackie from suspecting a thing. Jackie will think this is just some sightseeing date to make up for the fight they had.” Kelsey says to Victor, “Should we try to get tickets and follow them on the tour?” Victor says, “No, that’s too risky. We will just have to wait here till the tour is over and see where they go next.” Kelsey says, “Ahhh, the joys of a stakeout.” The tour takes a little over an hour. Victor and Kelsey the time by playing a trivia game on Victor’s phone. Victor looks up and notices a crowd of people leaving the dam and getting in their cars. Another hour es, and Donny and Jackie still haven’t left the dam. Even stranger, an attendant walks to the gate and puts up a closed sign and locks up. After waiting another half hour, the attendant leaves with a few other people. Now the only cars in the parking lot are the convertible Victor and Kelsey are in and the red sports car Donny and Jackie drove in. Victor says to Kelsey, “We better park this convertible behind those trees over there so Donny doesn’t suspect anyone is here.” Kelsey starts up the car and moves it behind the trees, making it hidden. Victor says to Kelsey, “I think we better go in for a closer look.” Kelsey says, “Sounds great. I’m getting bored with just sitting here waiting.” Victor and Kelsey carefully make their way to the front gate. Victor says, “Give me your foot.” Kelsey stands in Victor’s hands, and Victor helps lift Kelsey over the gate. Then Victor climbs over the gate. They hurry over to the entrance, and it’s locked. Kelsey says, “Stand back.” She pulls a pin out of her hair and picks the lock. Victor says, “I didn’t know you could do that.” Kelsey says, “It’s just a hobby.”

Victor smiles, and they go in the dam. When they get inside, it is dark. All the lights are out. Victor pulls out his phone and activates the flashlight app, and they continue down the hallway. Kelsey whispers to Victor, “Where do you think they are?” Victor answers, “I’m willing to bet they are in the turbine room.” Kelsey asks, “Why do you think that?” Victor says, “It’s where all the electricity is generated. Donny is most likely studying it to determine how to stop the electricity and start it again.” Victor and Kelsey get to the turbine room, and the lights are on. Victor says to Kelsey, “Donny and Jackie must have hid somewhere and waited for everyone to leave. Let’s see what they are up to.” Victor and Kelsey sneak in the door and hide behind one of the turbines. Victor says to Kelsey, “Stay down. I’m going to get closer and see what they are doing.” Victor gets close and hears Jackie talking. She is saying to Donny, “Are you sure we won’t get caught?” Donny answers, “It’s OK, my dear. I just wanted to put some adventure into our relationship. Sneaking around in here after hours is just to give us a rush.” Jackie says, “Well, I don’t like it. This place gives me the creeps.” Donny sys, “Don’t be scared, I’m just going to take a closer look at these turbines and perhaps the main power controls, then we can go.” Jackie says, “Why are you looking at that?” Donny says, “It’s very interesting. Aren’t you just a little curious how all this works?” Jackie says, “The tour guide told us how it works. ?” Donny says, “Yea, but not everything. I’m going to take a closer look. Care to me, or do you want to stay here alone?”

Jackie says, “Don’t leave me here alone. Let’s just get this over with. I want to get back and get a drink.” Donny says, “Right this way, my dear.” Donny and Jackie walk to the main control room. Victor signals Kelsey to come on. Kelsey catches up to Victor and asks, “What are they doing?” Victor answers, “They are headed to the main control room to take a look. Donny has Jackie convinced this is just some game to add spice to their relationship. Jackie is scared and wants to leave. Donny told her they could leave after he checks out the main control room.” Kelsey asks, “Why does Donny want to see the main control room so bad?” Victor answers, “I’m sure he wants to know how to turn on and off the electricity without being detected.” When Victor and Kelsey get to the main power control room, they see Donny and Jackie looking around. Victor says to Kelsey, “We can’t go in there. It’s too small, and they will see us.” Kelsey says, “What do you want to do?” Victor says, “I’m going to slide my phone under the door and record everything they say and do.” Kelsey says, “That’s an awesome idea.” Victor slides the phone under the door over to the side out of sight but with a good viewing angle. As the phone records, Victor says, “We better hide so when they come out, they won’t see us.” Victor and Kelsey hide behind a turbine in the big turbine room and wait. About forty-five minutes go by, and Donny and Jackie finally leave. Victor goes back to the main power room and retrieves his phone. Victor then meets back up with Kelsey, and they head back to their convertible. Victor holds up his phone and says, “Let’s make this a movie night.”

Chapter 9

A t the cabin, Victor pulls out his phone. He pulls up the footage from the main control room at the dam. Kelsey comes close and s Victor in watching the video. Victor presses Play, and they see Donny and Jackie. Donny is looking at the main , saying, “Isn’t this spectacular?” Jackie says, “It’s a bunch of switches and knobs, big deal.” Donny says, “Do you know what a person can do with these switches and knobs?” Jackie looks puzzled and says, “Are you finished looking? I want to get out of here.” Donny says, “Just a moment. I want to take a souvenir.” Donny then grabs the booklet on emergency shutdown procedures.” Jackie says, “What’s that?” Donny answers, “Just some information on the dam I want to read later. Come on, my dear. Let’s get out of here and get you that drink.” Donny touches Jackie’s back and guides her out of the room. Victor says to Kelsey, “Now we know Donny does want to shut down the power.” Kelsey says, “That doesn’t seem so harmful, just a few hours with no electricity.” Victor replies, “Yea, but there’s more to Donny’s plan than just turning off the electricity. What does the church have to do with the plan? Plus, need I mention the warehouse across the street from the church?” Kelsey says, “There are a lot of factors at play. What do you want to do next?”

Victor says, “We have to get to Jackie. Surely by now, she’s getting suspicious of Donny. Let’s head over to the hotel. The bar in the lobby is open till 2:00 a.m. That gives us a couple hours before they close. With any luck, Jackie will be having a night cap.” Victor and Kelsey make their way to the hotel. They park the convertible across from the hotel with a good view of Donny and Jackie’s room and the hotel lobby bar. They look in the bar with Victor’s phone and see Jackie sitting at the bar. To their surprise, they see Donny sitting next to her. Jackie is shuffling the tarot cards, and Donny is talking with a few of the hotel guests. Jackie lays down the cards, and as she sets down a card, Donny tells the people what he thinks the cards mean. The crowd looks amazed. Victor says to Kelsey, “Oh brother, here we go again.” Kelsey says, “That Donny sure loves the spotlight. He’s such a ham.” Victor says, “My guess is he is doing what he knows how to gain as many people’s trust as he can.” Kelsey says, “That makes sense.” Victor says, “We have to get to Jackie, and this looks to be more of a challenge than I expected.” Kelsey says, “I’ve had a few drinks in my life. I know one thing about drinking. Jackie will have to piss soon. I’ll go hang out in the restroom and wait till Jackie relieves herself. I’ll talk with her then and see where she stands.” Kelsey heads across the street and sneaks into the restroom. Kelsey sees there are three stalls, so she sits in the center one and waits for Jackie. This sounds simple, but the challenge hits when a woman rushes into the restroom and slams the door to the stall next to Kelsey. Kelsey thinks to herself, That woman must really have to go. Then the smell hits. Kelsey puts her nose under her shirt. It is terrible. The woman must be sick, thinks Kelsey. Kelsey says in a rude voice, “How about a courtesy flush.” The toilet flushes after five more minutes, and the woman leaves without washing her hands. Kelsey thinks, How nasty. Another twenty minutes go by, and Jackie finally enters the restroom. Jackie says, “Damn. Who had enchiladas for lunch?”

Kelsey answers, “You don’t know the half of it,” as she locks the main door to the restroom. Startled Jackie says, “It’s you. What do you want now?” Kelsey says, “Have you thought about what I said?” Jackie says, “I haven’t said anything to Donny about you, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Kelsey replies, “I know you haven’t.” Jackie says, “If you already know everything, why are you here?” Kelsey says, “That’s just it, I don’t know everything.” Jackie says, “Look, I really have to pee.” Jackie sits on the toilet and says, “What does anything have to do with me?” Kelsey says, “You are the only person that is close to Donny. I really have to know what he’s up to. You can watch and listen, then tell me what you discover.” Jackie says, “Now why would I do that?” Kelsey says, “Because a lot of lives are at stake.” Jackie says, “What makes you think it’s that serious?” Kelsey says, “Just look at the facts. Donny already convinced the townsfolk to burn down my friend Victor’s house. You saw how Donny was acting at the dam.” Jackie says, “How do you know we were at the dam?” Kelsey says, “Victor and I have been keeping an eye on Donny. We’re trying to figure out what he’s planning next. After what happened to Victor’s house, I’m pretty sure it’s not good.” Jackie says, “Suppose you’re right. Donny won’t like me telling you what he’s up to. If he finds out I’m reporting info about him to you, he might hurt me.”

Kelsey says, “That’s exactly why you should help me. If Donny will hurt you, imagine what he will do to people he’s not having sex with?” Jackie says, “How do you know I’m having sex with him?” Kelsey says, “Come on, it’s kind of obvious.” Jackie says, “Well, that’s just none of your business.” Kelsey says, “You’re right, sorry about that. Either way, Donny is dangerous. I really need your help.” Jackie says, “If I help you—and I’m not saying I will—but if I help, can you make sure Donny won’t hurt me if he finds out I’m helping you?” Kelsey says, “If you help me, I’ll be watching you every step of the way. If Donny so much as looks like he’s on to you, I’ll be there before he has a chance to do anything.” Jackie says, “That sounds nice, but how can I trust you?” Kelsey says, “Let’s just say it’s better to have me on your side than as your enemy. the limo at the bar? Nobody fucks with me.” Jackie says, “OK, what do you want me to do?” Kelsey says, “Just go back to Donny and act as if everything is normal. Just go along with him on everything. Don’t argue, just be as cool as you can. Victor and I will be following you everywhere you go. I’ll do like I did tonight and meet with you discreetly. Donny won’t know you’re talking to me because you’ll be with him all the time. Does Donny ever go with you to the restroom?” Jackie says, “Of course not. Well, not in public anyway.” Kelsey says, “Well then, consider the restroom our office. We have one everywhere you go. I’ll be with you every step of the way. If things look to be getting out of hand, I’ll get you out of there. You have my word.” Jackie says, “Fine, I’m trusting you, please don’t let me down.”

Kelsey says, “Great. Now you better get back to Donny before he gets suspicious.” Jackie goes back to the bar while Kelsey sneaks back across the street to Victor. Victor asks, “How did it go?” Kelsey answers, “She’s on board, but she seems real nervous.” Victor says, “Good job. What did you say to get her to help?” Kelsey said, “I simply told her the truth, that’s all.” Victor says, “You can never go wrong with the truth.”

Chapter 10

T he next morning, Victor and Kelsey are parked out front of the hotel. Kelsey has the phone pointed at the room, and Victor is eating a pig in the blanket and enjoying his coffee. The lights come on, and Kelsey says, “That girl is shameless.” Victor says, “What’s going on?” Kelsey says, “Oh, nothing much. Jackie is just parading around the room buck naked.” Victor says, “Let me see.” Kelsey says, “Nice try, mister. We will wait till they are dressed.” Victor says, “Just joking. Here, have a doughnut while we wait.” Kelsey says, “Are you trying to get me fat?” Donny and Jackie are finally dressed and headed for the elevator. Kelsey says, “They are on the move.” Victor says, “And it begins.” Donny and Jackie go to the breakfast bar in the lobby. They sit for a few minutes having breakfast. They get up and head for the red sports car out front. Kelsey starts the convertible and says, “It’s about time.” The red car drives off, and Kelsey follows. They don’t go far. The red car pulls up to the church. Donny says to Jackie, “Wait in the car, my sweet. I’ll only be a minute.” Jackie says, “I want to go with you.” Donny says, “I’ll be right back.” Donny slams the car door and walks into the church.

Victor says to Kelsey, “At this rate, we will know nothing.” Kelsey says, “Try to have patience. Jackie did try to go in with him. If she acts too nosy, Donny will know something’s up.” Victor says, “You’re right.” Kelsey says, “Look, Donny’s coming out of the church.” Victor says, “That was fast.” As Donny is headed to his red sports car, the minister looks out the door. He looks all around in a paranoid manner and then closes the church door. Victor says to Kelsey, “We have to figure out what that minister has to do with Donny’s plan.” Kelsey says, “I know, we will.” The red car drives off, and Kelsey follows. The red sports car drives slowly by the bar on Main Street. The same bar Kelsey smashed the limo into. Donny just shakes his head, and the red car speeds off. The red sports car stops at an office store. Donny and Jackie get out and go in. Kelsey jumps out of the convertible and says, “I’ll be right back.” Kelsey goes into the office store. Kelsey sees Donny and Jackie talking with a salesman in the computer department. Kelsey stays hidden behind a bunch of office furniture. Donny is looking at a laptop, and Jackie is just standing there looking bored. Donny shakes hands with the salesman, and the salesman goes in the back of the store. Donny and Jackie head to the front and wait at the . The salesman comes out of the back carrying two laptops in their boxes. The salesman brings the laptops to Donny and Jackie at the . Donny smiles and pays with cash. Donny hands Jackie the two laptops, and they walk back to the red sports car. Kelsey, seeing this, says to herself, “What a jerk Donny is, making Jackie carry the laptops.” Donny and Jackie get in the red car and drive off. Kelsey hurries back to the

convertible and starts the car and punches the gas. Kelsey and Victor follow the red sports car back to the church. This time, Donny and Jackie get out. Jackie carries the two laptops and walks with Donny into the church. The minister acts paranoid, looking left to right, then locks the church door. Victor says to Kelsey, “I hope Jackie comes through and tells us what they are doing.” Kelsey says, “Jackie may be nervous, but she’ll come through.” Victor says, “You sure have a lot of confidence in her.” Kelsey says, “I can tell she’s a good girl. She’s just been through some shit in her life.” Victor says, “Haven’t we all?” About three hours go by, and Donny and Jackie finally leave the church. Donny is smiling, carrying a laptop, and Jackie looks bored to tears. They get in their red sports car and drive back to the hotel. Kelsey follows with Victor in the convertible. At the hotel, Donny goes straight upstairs, carrying the laptop. Jackie goes straight to the bar and orders a margarita. Kelsey says to Victor, “I’m going to go get an update from Jackie.” Victor says, “I’m going to watch Donny with the phone and see what I can find out.” Kelsey says, “Sounds good,” and jogs across the street to the hotel. Kelsey goes into the hotel and walks through the bar. She makes eye with Jackie and motions toward the restroom. Kelsey goes into the restroom and waits. Jackie gulps down her margarita and walks to the restroom. Once Jackie enters the restroom, Kelsey locks the main door and says, “What did you find out?” Jackie says, “Not much. We went to the church. Donny went into the church and

told me to wait in the car. Donny was in there with the minister for about a minute. When he came out, he said he would be right back to the minister, and we left. The minister was acting extremely nervous. He was real jumpy. That’s very unusual for a minister, if you ask me. Anyway, we went to the office store and bought two laptops. After that, we went back to the church. Donny let me go inside with him this time. Inside the church, Donny went with the minister into the confessional booth with the two laptops. He made me wait in the pews. He then came out with one of the laptops. He was smiling big when he came out. The minister, on the other hand, looked very scared. We got in the car and came back here. Donny said he had to do some work on the laptop and would be in the room for a while.” Kelsey asks, “What are they doing with the laptops?” Jackie says, “I don’t know.” Kelsey says, “That’s fine, you did great. Are you going to be here for a while?” Jackie says, “At least a couple hours.” Kelsey says, “I’m going to go see what I can find out at the church. I’ll be back in an hour. If Donny wants to leave before the hour is up, stall him.” Jackie says, “I’ll do what I can.”

Chapter 11

K elsey meets up with Victor across the street from the hotel. She says to Victor, “Jackie didn’t know any more than we do about Donny.” Victor says, “I know something though.” Kelsey says, “Oh yea?” Victor says, “I was watching Donny with the phone. Donny is setting up a virtual private network with the laptop at the church.” Kelsey says, “What does that mean?” Victor says, “It means he is connected to the laptop at the church as if he was there. He is using a point-to-point tunneling protocol to communicate undetected over the Internet.” Kelsey asks, “What’s the benefit of that?” Victor says, “There are lots of benefits. For one, Donny can access the webcam on the church laptop and see what the minister is doing. Donny can also execute commands on his computer and make it look as if the commands came from the church laptop. The possibilities are endless.” Kelsey says, “We’re headed for the church.” Victor says, “What?” Kelsey says, “Jackie said Donny would be a couple hours in the room working on the laptop. I told her I was headed for the church to see what I could find. I told her I would be back in an hour.” Victor asks, “What if Donny tries to leave with her?” Kelsey says, “I told her I would be back in an hour and if Donny tries to leave, to

stall.” Kelsey then starts the car and punches the gas. The convertible tires squeal as they drive toward the church. When they get to the church, Victor says, “This time, I’m going in also. Why don’t you go through the front door and distract the minister? I’ll go in the back and try to get in that confessional booth.” Kelsey says, “Good plan.” Victor jumps out of the convertible and walks around to the back of the church. Kelsey walks to the front and tries to open the door. The door is locked, so Kelsey starts banging on it. After a couple minutes, the minister opens the door. The minister says, “The church is closed. You can come back when there is a service.” Kelsey says, “This is important, you must help.” The minister says, “All right, you have five minutes. Come in.” When they get in the church, the minister says, “Now what’s so important that I must help?” Kelsey says, “Do you have something to drink? I’m so thirsty.” The minister rolls his eyes and says, “Right this way.” The minister leads Kelsey into the kitchen and fixes her a glass of water. While Kelsey is talking with the minister in the kitchen, Victor picks the lock on the back door. Victor quietly sneaks to the confessional. He opens the door and is surprised. Victor sees a set of stairs leading to what looks like a basement. Victor says to himself, “This I have to see.” Victor goes into the confessional and closes the door behind him. He follows the stairs to a huge room with what looks like a tunnel leading under the street to the warehouse. Victor says to himself, “Interesting.” Victor hears a door slam and men talking coming from the tunnel. Victor hides and sees five men in black suits walking through the tunnel. Two of the men look to be injured on their legs. Victor re Kelsey shooting two of the men and running one of the men she shot down with the limo. Victor laughs softly to himself. He watches as the men gather around several wooden crates. The crates have mat stickers on them. The stickers are orange

and say “Caution: Explosives.” Victor also notices the laptop set up on a desk facing the crates. The laptop is on, and no doubt, Donny is keeping an eye on the crates with the webcam. The five men make their way back through the tunnel to the warehouse. Victor takes this as an opportunity to get out of there without getting caught. Victor sneaks out of the church and back across the street to the car. Victor thinks to himself, “That was a close one.” In the church kitchen, Kelsey keeps the minister busy with stupid questions. Every time the minister looks uninterested, Kelsey would rub him on the arm and kind of flirt with him. This works for about twenty minutes. The minister finally says he has stuff to do and escorts Kelsey back to the front door. The minister says, “Please come back when there is a service.” The minister then shuts the door and locks it behind Kelsey. When Kelsey gets outside, she notices Victor is back in the convertible, waiting. Kelsey thinks, Good deal, and hurries to the car. Kelsey gets in the car and says, “That was gruesome. I hope it was worth it. What did you find out?” Victor says, “It’s a lot bigger than I thought. Donny has several crates of explosives in the basement of the church.” Kelsey says, “Basement? I thought that was a confessional booth.” Victor says, “That’s not even the half of it. There is a tunnel that runs under the street from the church basement to the warehouse.” Kelsey asks, “What kind of explosives are in the crates?” Victor answers, “I didn’t get a chance to look. There were five men in there gathered around the crates. Not only that, the laptop Donny bought earlier is set up with the camera facing the crates. If the men didn’t catch me looking, Donny would have seen.” Kelsey says, “We better get back to the hotel and watch Jackie. I told her we would be back in an hour.” Victor and Kelsey hurry back to the hotel.

Chapter 12

V ictor and Kelsey arrive at the hotel. They notice right away that Jackie is not at the bar in the lobby. Victor asks, “Where is Jackie?” Kelsey says, “I’m not sure. Let me see the phone.” Kelsey grabs the phone and looks into the hotel room. Kelsey sees Donny trying to head toward the hotel room door. Jackie pulls open her shirt and slides down her pants, exposing her nice firm butt. Donny takes a long stare and starts to rub her butt while caressing her plump breasts. They start to kiss ionately and plop onto the bed. Kelsey puts down the phone and says, “It looks like Jackie is stalling Donny like I asked her to. That girl sure knows how to have fun doing it.” Victor says, “What does that mean?” Kelsey says, “Nothing. They will be down in a few minutes, so we better be ready.” After about twenty minutes, Donny and Jackie walk out of the elevator into the lobby. Victor says to Kelsey, “Look, there they are, it’s go time.” Donny and Jackie get into their red sports car and speed off. Kelsey fires up the convertible and follows. Donny loves to drive by the bar that Kelsey crashed the limo into. It gets him mad. When Donny is mad, this is his motivation. When Donny and Jackie slow down to look at the bar, the red car slams the brakes. Donny screams, “Wait here!” Donny jumps out and starts running at the bar. Victor and Kelsey pull up quickly. Kelsey asks Victor, “What is Donny doing?” Victor points at the bartender’s truck and says, “I have a good idea.”

Kelsey says, “Shit, I told that bartender to stay out of town.” Victor says, “Apparently, he didn’t listen.” Kelsey says, “We have to do something. If Donny gets ahold of that bartender, he will kill him.” Victor says, “Don’t just sit there. Let’s go help him.” Victor and Kelsey jump out of the convertible and run toward the bar. Kelsey says to Jackie as she es the red sports car, “Stay here.” Jackie says to herself as she rolls her eyes, “Why does everyone keep telling me that?” Victor kicks in the door to the bar, and Kelsey charges past him. Victor makes his way to the back where he sees the bartender pinned in a corner while Donny is punching him in the stomach. The bartender is begging Donny to stop, but Donny is so mad he just keeps punching. The bartender has blood dripping from his mouth and is just crying out for mercy. Kelsey runs in the room and kicks Donny in the side of his face. This doesn’t seem to faze Donny because he just keeps punching the bartender. Donny screams, “Nobody messes with my Jackie!” Kelsey kicks Donny again, only this time, right in Donny’s nose. This knocks Donny out cold. Donny is just lying on the floor ed out. Kelsey steps over Donny and grabs the bartender’s shoulders and asks, “Are you all right?” The bartender says, “I’ll live.” Kelsey then slaps the bartender in the face real hard and screams, “I thought I told you to stay out of town the last time I saved your ass!” The bartender replies, “Yes, but I had to get some money from my safe.” Victor walks over to the safe and kicks it. The safe door swings open. Victor says, “Do you always leave your safe unlocked?”

The bartender looks shocked and says, “No.” Victor looks in the safe and says, “Looks like someone beat you to it. The safe is empty.” The bartender gets tears in his eyes and says, “I have nothing, and that money was going to help me get a place to stay while this blows over.” Victor says, “This thing isn’t going to just blow over anytime soon.” The bartender puts his face in his hands, and tears pour out. Kelsey asks the bartender, “Do you have any family you can stay with?” The bartender says, “I have no one.” Victor says, “We have to get out of here before Donny wakes up.” Victor grabs the bartender’s shoulder and lifts him to his feet. Victor grabs a big role of cash out of his pocket and hands it to the bartender. Victor says, “Take this and get as far from here as you can. Don’t come back ever. This place is not safe for you. Just start over somewhere else.” Victor then escorts the bartender to his truck and says, “Get out of here.” The bartender says, “I don’t know how to thank you.” Victor says, “Thank me by leaving, NOW!” The bartender starts up his truck and drives off. Victor asks Kelsey, “Did Donny get a look at us?” Kelsey answers, “No, he was so focused on the bartender he didn’t even notice the first kick. Then he ed out when I hit his nose.” Victor says, “Good, we will just wait for him to wake, and we’ll keep following him as planned.” Kelsey says, “I better tell Jackie what’s going on before Donny gets to her. I’ll be right back.” Kelsey walks up to the red sports car and knocks on the window. Jackie rolls

down the window and asks, “What’s going on?” Kelsey answers, “Donny was trying to kill the bartender.” Jackie says, “Oh no!” Kelsey says, “Listen, we haven’t much time.” Jackie says, “I’m listening.” Kelsey says, “When Donny gets back to the car, tell him you saw the bartender run out of the bar and get in his truck and leave. Donny didn’t see us knock him out.” Jackie says, “You knocked Donny out?” Kelsey says, “Just listen. Donny will think the bartender knocked him out and got away. Let him think that. If he finds out Victor and I were here, it will ruin our plan.” Jackie says, “I understand. Is Donny all right?” Kelsey says, “He’ll be fine. I’ll meet up with you later. Just keep your eyes and ears open for info.” Jackie says, “Got it.” Kelsey runs back to the convertible and moves it up the road where Donny won’t notice when he walks out of the bar. After about forty-five minutes, Donny stumbles out of the bar holding his nose. Jackie jumps out of the red sports car and helps Donny to the car. Jackie asks, “What happened?” Donny says, “I was just talking to the bartender when I must have fainted and hit my nose.” Jackie says, “You were in there for quite some time.” Donny asks, “Did you see the bartender?” Jackie says, “I saw a man that looked like the bartender walk out, get in a truck, and leave.”

Donny asks, “Did he say anything to you?” Jackie says, “No, he didn’t even notice me sitting here. He looked to be in a hurry. He just jumped in his truck and sped off.” Donny says, “I’m not feeling well. Will you just drive me to the hotel so I can get cleaned up and get my head straight?” Jackie says, “Of course, sugar.” Jackie helps Donny into the enger side of the red sports car. She then gets in the driver’s side and fires up the engine.” Jackie says, “This is the first time you’ve ever let me drive this car.” Donny says, “Don’t get used to it. Let’s go already.” The red sports car drives off. Victor and Kelsey follow it back to the hotel. When they get to the hotel, Jackie walks Donny up to the room. Kelsey pulls out the phone and looks in the window. She sees Jackie help Donny undress and get in the shower. Jackie asks Donny, “Are you going to be all right?” Donny says, “I just want to be alone for a while.” Jackie says, “I’m going to go to the bar in the lobby and give you some alone time.” Jackie sticks her head in the shower and kisses Donny on the cheek. Jackie then leaves the room and heads for the elevator. Kelsey turns to Victor and says, “I’m going to go talk with Jackie.” Victor says, “I’m hungry.” Kelsey says, “I won’t be long. When I get back, I’ll keep an eye on things, and you can get us something to eat.” Victor says, “Sounds great.” Kelsey goes to the hotel lobby and sees Jackie exiting the elevator. Kelsey motions toward the restroom, and Jackie follows. When they get in the restroom, they find three girls in there fixing their makeup and gossiping. Kelsey says to

Jackie, “We better try another restroom.” They peek into the men’s restroom and find it empty. They go in and lock the door behind them. Jackie says, “Not much to tell. Donny is not feeling well. I’m willing to bet he’s going to call it a day.” Kelsey says, “I bet you’re right.” All of a sudden, a man starts banging on the restroom door, saying, “Open this door. I have to piss. Come on, what’s the door locked for?” Jackie says in a sweet voice, “Just a minute.” The man says, “What’s a woman doing in the men’s room? I’m getting the manager.” Kelsey says to Jackie, “We better get out of here. I’ll keep an eye on you and meet up with you tomorrow some time.” The girls unlock the door and walk out. Then man is standing with the manager and says, “What’s the deal?” Jackie, in a playful tone, says, “Nothing,” and then she turns to Kelsey and gives her a soft gentle kiss on the lips. Jackie then walks to the bar. Kelsey, feeling stunned, just looks at the man and walks out of the hotel back to the convertible.

Chapter 13

I n the convertible, across the street from the hotel, Kelsey arrives and sits next to Victor. Victor asks Kelsey, “So, is there any new information?” Kelsey replies, “No.” Victor says, “I saw something interesting.” Kelsey says, “Oh yea?” Victor says, “Soon as Jackie left the room, Donny immediately jumped out of the shower. He went straight for his laptop. He got online and ordered a bunch of electrical extension cords.” Kelsey asks, “What do you mean by a bunch?” Victor answers, “Thirty-five, to be exact.” Kelsey says, “That’s wild. I wonder what he’s going to do with those?” Victor says, “I don’t know, but there’s more. He was also looking up different types of decorations and caterers.” Kelsey says, “Sounds like he’s planning a party or something.” Victor says, “My thoughts exactly.” Victor and Kelsey are hungry, so Victor walks up the street and gets some sandwiches and sodas. Kelsey keeps an eye on Jackie. Kelsey thinks to herself, What was that kiss all about? Was it to mess with those men, or does she like me? Kelsey is deep in thought when Victor startles her. Victor says, “Here’s some food. Did I interrupt you in a daydream or something?”

Kelsey smiles and grabs her sandwich and takes a bite. Victor says, “They will be asleep soon. I know it’s been a long day, but I really want to get a closer look at the tunnel on the warehouse side. Do you feel up to it?” Kelsey replies, “I’m not going to sleep much anyway. Might as well.” Victor and Kelsey drive the convertible to a nice hidden spot up the street from the warehouse and church. They get out of the car and sneak to the back of the warehouse. All the lights are off in the warehouse. Kelsey tries the door and finds it locked. She pulls a pin from her hair and picks the lock. Victor says, “Great job,” and goes in the warehouse in front of Kelsey. Victor says, “Stay close.” They walk quietly and look around for the tunnel entrance. This turns out to be more of a challenge than they expected. The tunnel is nowhere to be found. Kelsey says, “Damn, it looks like the tunnel is hidden somewhere.” Victor says, “We can look around all night, or…” Kelsey says, “Or what?” Victor says, “Or we can go across the street to the church and follow the tunnel back to here. Then we will know where the tunnel opens up at.” Kelsey says, “I don’t care what everyone else says about you. You’re smart when you want to be.” Victor gets a confused look on his face. Kelsey just slaps him on the shoulder and says, “What are you waiting for?” Victor and Kelsey go back out the back door of the warehouse. Kelsey locks the door behind them to keep everything looking undisturbed. They head across the street to the church. Kelsey notices a light on in the back room. She points it out to Victor. Victor says, “I’m willing to bet that’s the minister. Most ministers live at the church.”

Kelsey says, “What do you propose we do?” Victor says, “We will sneak in the back of the church. Let’s just be as quiet as possible and get to the confessional booth.” Kelsey says, “OK,” then she picks the lock to the back door of the church. Victor walks in and looks around. He sees the coast is clear and waves to Kelsey to come on. They make their way slowly to the big room with the altar and all the pews. Victor whispers, “Stay low.” They creep over to the confessional booth. Victor attempts to open the booth door and discovers it has a dead bolt on it. Victor says, “This dead bolt was not on here before. They must have just put it on there.” Kelsey says, “No problem,” and picks the lock in seconds. Victor says, “You are very good at that.” Kelsey says, “I’m good at a lot of things.” Kelsey then slaps Victor on the ass and goes into the confessional booth. Victor follows Kelsey into the booth and closes the door behind them. Victor says to Kelsey, “Be very cautious. there is a camera. Please don’t be seen by it.” Kelsey says in a playful way, “What, do you think I was born yesterday?” Victor says, “Just saying.” They walk down the stairs to the basement area. In the basement, they see two men sleeping on cots near the crates of explosives. They are the two men Kelsey shot. The men have bandages on their legs. Kelsey whispers to Victor, “Now that’s some lame ass protection. What are they going to do, limp after us on crutches?” Victor whispers, “We have to get past them and not be seen by that camera on the laptop.”

Kelsey says, “The only way to do that is to walk right next to the men and hug the wall till we get to the tunnel.” Victor says, “That’s challenging, but it’s the only way.” Kelsey grabs Victor’s hand and pulls him toward the men. They sneak right next to the men while hugging the wall. One of the men rolls over toward them. Victor and Kelsey freeze. The man starts snoring. Kelsey lets out a soft sigh of relief. Victor and Kelsey get past the men and make it to the tunnel. They walk through the tunnel. When they get to the middle of the tunnel, they find another tunnel. This tunnel looks long and heads far up the road somewhere. Victor says to Kelsey, “We will have to check that out some other day.” Kelsey says, “Sound like fun.” They get to the end of the tunnel and discover a room even bigger than the basement under the church. The room is lined with shelves. On the shelves is a bunch of boxes with what looks like files. Kelsey says to Victor, “This looks fishy.” Kelsey runs to a shelf and opens one of the boxes. She looks inside and sees folders. She opens one of the folders and sees it is a profile of one of the townspeople. She looks through the box more and sees the box is filed with folders with different people’s names. Each folder has the person’s picture and info. Also, in the folders are complete profiles explaining the likes and dislikes of the people. Kelsey says to Victor, “This is crazy. All these boxes are full of information about all the people in this town.” Victor says, “I don’t know where they are getting all this information, but I’m sure it has to do with that other tunnel.” Kelsey says, “This is how Donny is able to amaze the crowd. He uses the tarot cards and acts like he is reading them. In reality, he already knows about that person he’s reading. Donny simply tells that person something about them that they think is private. That person is impressed and begins to trust Donny.” Victor says, “That’s what he does in the bar most every night. He gains as many people’s trust as he can.”

Kelsey says, “This is creepy. Donny knows a lot about the town. This sure is a lot of studying. This plan of his has got to be something huge.” Victor says, “It’s a lot bigger than I thought.” Victor starts to look around for the door leading to the warehouse when they hear footsteps coming from the tunnel. Victor whispers loudly to Kelsey, “We’ve got company. Hide.” Kelsey jumps behind a few boxes that are stacked on the floor. Victor gets under a table that has a tablecloth draped over it. Three men come out of the unexplored tunnel carrying boxes with files. They carry them into the room under the warehouse where Victor and Kelsey are hiding. They put the boxes on the shelves. One of the men says to the other two, “Let’s look through these later. I want to get a drink.” The other two men agree, and the three men walk to a set of shelves and pull them away from the wall. Behind the shelves is a secret door. The men open the door and walk up a set of stairs. Victor whispers to Kelsey, “I think we found the door to the warehouse.” They wait a few minutes and walk up the stairs. When they get to the top of the stairs, there is a door. They go to open it and discover it is locked. Kelsey quickly picks the lock, and they open the door. They see the warehouse is empty. They exit the tunnel and discover the entrance to the tunnel is in the office area behind a set of shelves. Kelsey says, “They sure have this tunnel hidden on both sides.” Victor says, “That they do. I’m curious to see where that other tunnel leads. As for now, it’s getting close to sunrise. We better get back to the hotel. I’m sure Donny and Jackie will be up soon.” Kelsey says, “I’m going to have to sleep sometime. I don’t know how many nights I can go without sleep.” Victor says, “Let’s get some coffee.” Victor and Kelsey stop at a coffee shop on the way to the hotel and order a triple shot of espresso each.

Chapter 14

A t the hotel, Victor watches the room while Kelsey drifts off into a catnap. Victor thinks to himself, Sometimes coffee just isn’t strong enough. Victor watches as Jackie gets out of bed and goes into the restroom and closes the door. Donny sits up in bed, then walks over to the laptop. Donny checks his e-mail and sifts through the video footage from the church laptop. Donny then stands up and stretches. He walks over to the restroom and opens the door. A big cloud of steam pours out into the room as Donny enters the restroom and closes the door. Donny and Jackie are in the restroom for about forty-five minutes. They finally open the restroom door, and steam billows out. Donny is the first to walk out. He has a towel on. He walks over to the suitcase and pulls out some clothes. Jackie walks out with her towel barely covering her nipples, and her crotch is fully exposed. She walks over to Donny and straddles him. Donny kisses her cheek and pushes her off. He continues to get dressed. Jackie looks disappointed. She pouts a little and also gets dressed. Victor nudges Kelsey and says, “They’re up and moving.” Kelsey asks, “How long was I asleep?” Victor says, “Over an hour.” Kelsey says, “I feel so much better.” Victor says, “Donny and Jackie are dressed and headed down the elevator.” Victor looks through the phone and says, “They are in the lobby having breakfast as we speak.” Kelsey says to Victor, “I’m hungry.” Victor says, “We’ll have to get something to eat in a while.”

Kelsey says, “I hope it’s soon.” Victor says, “Don’t worry. I won’t let you starve.” While they wait for Donny and Jackie to finish their breakfast, Victor says to Kelsey, “I was thinking we should return this convertible soon.” Kelsey says, “We still have a few days before the owner gets back.” Victor says, “Don’t you think it would be better if we just rented a car?” Kelsey says, “That would be great, but whose name do we rent it in? Isn’t Donny on the lookout for both of us now?” Victor says, “Yes, but he only knows my name. He only knows what you look like. We can put it in your name, and there will be no problems.” Kelsey says, “I suppose you’re right.” Victor says, “The last thing we need is to get pulled over and put in jail for grand theft auto.” Kelsey says, “Point taken. I’ll return this car when we get a chance.” Victor says, “Plan on that being sometime today.” Donny and Jackie walk out of the hotel. They get in their red sports car and drive off. Kelsey throws the convertible into gear and follows them. Victor says to Kelsey, “I have a new plan for today. Don’t worry about following them right now. Let’s go back to the office store. I have a few things I want to buy.” Kelsey turns the convertible toward the office store. Victor says, “Second thought, let’s go to the car rental place and get a new set of wheels.” Kelsey makes a right turn and heads to the car rental place. They get to the car rental place and park the convertible. Victor and Kelsey get out and walk in. Victor says to the clerk, “I want to rent a car for my friend here.” The rental clerk says, “If she’s the one driving, you’ll have to put it in her

name.” Victor replies, “No problem, I’ll just pay, and you can put it all in her name. Do you accept cash?” The clerk says, “We prefer credit cards. If you only have cash, there is a major deposit.” Victor says, “That’s not going to be a problem.” The clerk asks, “Which car do you want, and how long do you want it for?” Victor says, “We want that blue convertible over there.” The clerk says, “Excellent choice. And how long do you want it for?” Victor says, “You better make it a month.” The clerk adds up all the expenses and asks, “Do you want insurance with that?” Victor looks at Kelsey and replies, “Yes, the best you have.” The clerk totals up the bill, including the major deposit, and hands Victor the printout. Victor smiles and says, “For this price, I could almost buy a new car.” Victor then pulls out a wad of one-hundred-dollar bills and pays the clerk. The clerk holds out a few twenties and says, “Here is your change, sir.” Victor waves his hand and says, “Keep the change.” The clerk smiles real big and says, “YES, SIR!” Victor hands Kelsey the key to the rental car and says, “Now let’s return the convertible.” Kelsey says, “I should drive the convertible, and you should follow in the rental.” Victor says, “I know, but we have to do it this way because the rental is under your name and the clerk is watching.”

Kelsey smiles and says, “Good thinking.” Victor follows Kelsey to the house of the owner of the convertible. Kelsey jumps out of the rental and asks Victor to get out of the convertible. Kelsey then parks the convertible in the exact spot it was parked before. She then runs to the rental car where Victor is sitting in the enger seat. She asks Victor, “Where to now?” Victor says, “The office store.” Kelsey drives Victor to the office store. They both get out and go in. Kelsey sees some candy bars and says to Victor, “I’m so hungry I could eat all those candy bars.” Victor says, “We will only be a minute. I’ll treat you to a nice meal somewhere if you can hold out.” Kelsey holds her stomach and says, “That will be nice.” Victor walks over to the computer section. He picks out a small laptop and some webcams. The salesman goes in the back to retrieve the laptop, and Victor carries the webcams to the . The salesman carries the laptop to Victor. Victor pays and thanks the man. Victor says to Kelsey, “Let’s go get something to eat.” Victor puts all the stuff in the trunk, and they drive off. Victor asks Kelsey, “Do you like steak?” Kelsey answers, “I love it.” Victor says, “I know where we can get the best steak in town. They have a dress code, so we will have to stop and get some nice clothes on the way. I know you’re starving, but it’s worth it.” Kelsey smiles and says, “I get new clothes? Let’s go shopping.” Kelsey pulls the car into the mall and parks in front of a nice department store. Kelsey gets out of the car and starts jumping around like an excited little girl. Victor smiles and says, “You must really love shopping.”

Kelsey says, “You don’t know the half of it.” Victor and Kelsey walk into the department store and look around. Kelsey finds a nice dress. Victor picks out a nice suit. They purchase the clothes and change into them before leaving the store. As they are leaving, Kelsey grabs Victor’s arm and makes a squeaking sound. They walk to the car, and Kelsey says, “I’m so happy.” Victor says, “It’s good to see you happy. Now let’s eat.” Kelsey says, “Yes, sir,” and jumps into the car and speeds off. They pull into the parking lot of a nice restaurant. Kelsey says to Victor, “I’ve always wanted to try this place.” Victor says, “You’ll love it.” Victor gets out of the car and runs over to Kelsey’s door and opens it for her. He holds out his hand and helps Kelsey out of the car. Kelsey takes Victor’s arm, and they walk into the restaurant. The hostess asks, “How many?” Victor holds up two fingers. Victor is thrilled to see how happy Kelsey is. He says to her, “Wow, you sure look lovely.” Kelsey says, “You don’t look so bad yourself there, mister.” They both smile and are escorted to their table. They indulge in a glass of wine and enjoy some exciting appetizers. Kelsey orders the rib eye. Victor has the filet mignon. They enjoy their steak. Kelsey says, “This is the best steak I’ve ever had.” Victor said, “I knew you would love this place.” The waiter walks up and asks them what they want for dessert. Before they can answer, Kelsey says, “Give us a minute.” The waiter says, “Yes, ma’am,” and walks off. Kelsey leans close to Victor and says, “Don’t act obvious, but look who just walked in.”

Victor looks casually across the room and sees Donny and Jackie being seated at a table. Kelsey asks Victor, “What do you want to do?” Victor says, “We have to get out of here without Donny seeing us.” Victor motions for the waiter. Victor says to Kelsey, “Go get the car and meet me out front. Do what you can to keep from being spotted.” Kelsey gets up and walks out of the room without Donny seeing her. Victor hands the waiter an extra one-hundred-dollar bill and asks the waiter to tell Donny he has a phone call and lead him to the back. The waiter walks over to Donny and gets him to follow to a phone in the back. Victor then gets up and hurries across the floor. As he’s leaving, he glances at Jackie. Jackie is staring him down hard. Victor looks her in the eyes and hurries out of the restaurant. Kelsey is waiting with the car running. Victor jumps in and says, “Step on it.” Kelsey slams on the gas, and they head back toward the cabin. Kelsey asks Victor as they’re driving, “Did anyone see you?” Victor answers, “Donny was in the back, but Jackie saw me and made eye . Kelsey says, “At least Donny didn’t see you.” Victor said, “Yea, but you should have seen the look in Jackie’s eyes. There is something strange about her.” Kelsey says, “I’ll talk with her next chance I get. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Victor and Kelsey pull into the drive of the cabin and get out of the car. Victor gets the laptop and cameras out of the trunk and walks with Kelsey into the cabin. Victor says to Kelsey, “It’s been a rough couple days. Let’s get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow.” Kelsey says, “Despite the drama, I really had a great time today.” She gets up and kisses Victor on the cheek and walks to her room and shuts the door.

Chapter 15

T he next morning, Kelsey wakes and finds Victor sitting at the kitchen table. He has the laptop and cameras on the table. Kelsey asks, “What ya doing?” Victor says, “I’m configuring the cameras to work wirelessly with this laptop. I’m also getting the laptop online anonymously with a prepaid 4G carrier. My phone is connected with the laptop much the same as Donny has his laptops configured.” Kelsey says, “Why didn’t you just hook your phone to Donny’s laptop?” Victor says, “That’s a good question. It would be easier to do that if it were that simple. Donny has his connected using a point-to-point tunneling protocol. It does work over T/IP, but it is a lot harder to tap into. I mean, it’s not impossible, but Donny would be able to see if someone tried to tap the signal. That’s why I’m going to setup my own group of cameras.” Kelsey says, “That sounds fun. How are you going to do that?” Victor replies, “I have these wireless cameras. Their range is about two hundred feet. That’s why I bought this little laptop. I will place the laptop somewhere in the warehouse. Then I can place the cameras in some key spots in the tunnel and throughout the church and warehouse. Once it’s all working, I will be able to check the cameras with my phone anywhere in the world.” Kelsey says, “That’s pretty cool. I suppose we are going to do that today?” Victor says, “Soon as I get all this equipment running undetectable.” Kelsey asks, “What’s for breakfast?” Victor says, “There’s nothing here. We have to get something while we’re out.” Victor pulls out his wad of money and says, “This brings me to the next item on the list of things to do. Our cash is getting low.”

Kelsey says, “What are we going to do?” Victor says, “That’s not going to be an issue.” Victor then pulls out the port he retrieved from his safe. He separates the corners and tears the port open down the middle. Inside the port is a gold bank card. Victor holds up the bank card and says, “This bank card is tied to an that does not trace back to me.” Kelsey says, “Is that someone else’s ?” Victor says, “It’s mine. I just had my ant set this up years ago for just such an occasion. I deposited three million dollars in it four years ago. It’s been accumulating interest ever since.” Kelsey gets excited and screams with joy. Victor says, “Calm down. It’s OK.” Victor continues, “When I told you things would be like this, years ago, I took my own warning and prepared for the occasion. I realize that cash would work better than plastic in some cases, so I set this card up with unlimited withdraws in all ATMs. I realize that most ATMs have limits. No need to worry. I can take this card to any major bank and get as much cash as I want from the teller. Of course, we should probably do that in a different city. As you know, Donny is keeping an eye out for me around here.” Kelsey says, “I didn’t know you had all that money. I knew you were doing well, but wow.” Victor says, “I have been investing for years. It finally caught back up to me.” Kelsey asks, “What caught back up to you?” Victor simply replies, “Karma.” Kelsey says, “Karma?” Victor says, “Yes, you know, the more you give, the more you get.” Kelsey says, “I always thought that was just a myth.” Victor says, “Oh, it’s real. Trust me.”

Kelsey says, “Are you almost ready?” Victor says, “Yes, let me throw all this stuff in the trunk.” Victor grabs all the cameras and the laptop and puts them in a box. He then puts them in the trunk of the rental car and puts his phone in his pocket. Victor then jumps in the enger seat. Kelsey is sitting in the driver seat. She starts up the car, and they drive off. Victor says, “I know you’re hungry, so let’s stop and grab you something.” Kelsey pulls into the drive-through of a fast-food t. Victor and Kelsey order some breakfast burritos and some coffee. They eat the food in the car as they are driving. Kelsey asks, “Where do you want to go next?” Victor says, “Let’s go get some cash.” They drive to the next city and pull into a bank. Victor says, “Good choice in banks. The people know me at this one. This should only take a minute.” Victor gets out of the car and walks into the bank. Once he’s in the bank, Victor withdraws about twenty thousand dollars. As he’s doing this, one of the tellers picks up their cell phone and calls Donny. Victor notices the teller making the call. Victor smiles and thanks the bank and walks out. Victor gets in the car and says, “That bank is out of the question in the future. One of the tellers must be working for Donny because I saw them make a call soon as I made the withdrawal.” Kelsey asks, “Can we still get money from a different bank?” Victor says, “It will be risky. I’m sure Donny’s mole took note of the number and is watching it.” Kelsey says, “That sucks. How much did you get?” Victor replies, “Twenty thousand dollars.”

Kelsey says, “We will be all right. Shit, that’s more than I made last year.” Victor says, “Yea, we will be fine. Like I said, it’s not impossible to get more cash. It’s just risky.” Victor says, “We have to wait until tonight before I can set up the cameras. I guess we should head over to the hotel and see if Donny and Jackie are there.” Victor and Kelsey drive to the hotel and park across the street out of sight. They notice Donny and Jackie’s red sports car parked in the front. Kelsey says, “Let me see the phone.” Kelsey grabs the phone and looks at the room. She sees Donny in his boxer shorts sipping whisky and playing on the laptop. Kelsey then looks at the hotel lobby and sees Jackie drinking at the bar. Kelsey throws the phone in Victor’s lap and says, “I’m going to go talk to Jackie.” Kelsey then jumps out of the car and walks into the hotel. Kelsey walks by Jackie and rubs her hand across her back and walks to the women’s restroom. Jackie gets up and walks into the restroom. As Jackie walks into the restroom, Kelsey locks the door. Kelsey asks, “How is it going?” Jackie says, “It’s going. I saw you and Victor at the restaurant yesterday.” Kelsey says, “Victor was treating me to a steak.” Jackie says, “I’m not sure I like you following me everywhere.” Kelsey says, “Yesterday was just a coincidence. Victor and I were doing our own thing.” Jackie walks up to Kelsey and starts to gently run her fingers across Kelsey’s shoulders. Jackie then gets real close and whispers in Kelsey’s ear, “Did you like what you saw in the hotel room the other morning?” Jackie then pulls Kelsey close and gives her a long ionate open-mouth kiss. Kelsey stands there mesmerized as her panties get wet. Jackie rubs Kelsey’s mound as it throbs. Kelsey is breathless. She can’t move. Jackie sticks her hand in Kelsey’s pants and gently penetrates her. Kelsey moans as Jackie sticks her tongue in Kelsey’s mouth. Kelsey gets caught up in the ion and kisses back. Jackie touches Kelsey in ways she had never been touched before. Kelsey immediately is brought to orgasm and lets out a deep

breath of satisfaction. Jackie pulls her hand out of Kelsey’s pants and licks her fingers. Jackie says, “I think it’s best if you stop following me.” Jackie kisses Kelsey on the lips and then walks out of the restroom. Kelsey sits for a moment, still shocked at the events that just occurred. Kelsey finally gets herself together and washes her face. Kelsey is walking out of the restroom when she is caught off guard by two police officers. They grab Kelsey and tell her she is under arrest for vandalism, grand theft auto, and arson. As Kelsey is being escorted out, she looks over at the bar and sees Jackie. Jackie smiles and blows Kelsey a kiss and waves good-bye to her.

Chapter 16

I n front of the hotel, Victor sees the police car pull up and two cops run inside. Moments later, Victor sees the two cops escorting Kelsey out. They put Kelsey in the back of the car and take her to the downtown holding facility. Victor follows them there and watches as they take Kelsey in the building. Victor thinks to himself, This is not good. Victor then drives off and heads out of town. Victor drives for several hours. As it is getting dark, Victor pulls into a bail bondsman’s office. Victor is in a small town about 375 miles away from where Kelsey is. Victor walks into the office and is greeted by a rugged-looking man. The man says, “I didn’t think I would ever see you again.” Victor smiles and gives the man a hug. This is one of Victor’s old high school buddies. Victor says, “I have a situation.” The rugged man says, “No shit, I kind of figured that one out when you got here.” Victor says, “My friend was arrested earlier today. I’m not sure what for, but I have written down on this piece of paper the name of the city and facility they are holding her at.” The bondsman says, “I’ll have to make some calls and see what I can do. I’m only licensed for this county, but I have a friend who is licensed where she’s at.” Victor says, “That’s great. I want to get this done as discreetly as possible.” The bondsman asks, “How are you paying?” Victor says, “I would like to pay with debit card if possible.” The bondsman says, “I usually only take cash, but since it’s you, that won’t be a problem.”

Victor says, “I think the people that set my friend up might know the number on this card. I want to keep them from finding me, if at all possible.” The bondsman says, “That’s no big deal. I can my friend at the bonds office where your friend is. He and I go way back, so he trusts me. He will get her out, and I’ll run the card here after she’s released. I’ll then wire my friend the money for the bail. With any luck, they will trace the card to me. By then, you will be far from here. If they come looking. You will be far away.” Victor says, “I love the way you think. Be sure and give yourself a big tip. Just add it to the bill.” The bondsman says, “Oh, I intend to.” He smiles and gives Victor a hug and says, “It’s so good to see you. Have some coffee and relax for a minute. I’m going to make some calls and see what’s up.” The bondsman gets on the phone. Victor grabs a Styrofoam cup and pours himself a cup of thick black coffee. Victor makes a face as he drinks the coffee and says to himself, “This is some strong ass coffee.” The bondsman hangs up the phone and says to Victor, “My friend is checking on her now. He’s going to call right back.” Victor says, “I really appreciate this.” The bondsman says, “It’s no big deal.” Just then, the phone rings. The bondsman picks it up and talks for a minute. He hangs up the phone and says to Victor, “She’s in a holding cell waiting to be arraigned. The judge won’t be in until tomorrow. I won’t be able to get her out until she sees the judge.” Victor says, “Can you swipe my card now and charge it tomorrow when you know the amount? The bondsman says, “I can do that. Is there enough on this card?” Victor says, “Believe me there’s plenty.” The bondsman says, “I’m only doing this because you were there for me years

ago when my wife left me.” Victor says, “That’s what friends do.” The bondsman says, “Well, then, you’re my only true friend. Nobody else was there when the going got tough.” Victor says, “It’s nothing. I enjoyed the times we had together.” The bondsman says, “Yea Yea Yea. You better get going. I’ll call you when I know more about her release. It will be sometime tomorrow for sure.” Victor says, “Thank you very much.” Victor shakes the bondsman’s hand and walks out. Victor jumps in the rental car and drives back toward the town. Victor thinks to himself, What a day. Meanwhile, at the holding facility, Kelsey is fingerprinted and locked in a cell with three other women. It smells like one of the women hasn’t showered in weeks. Kelsey has to take a dump, and there is only one toilet in the middle of the cell. Kelsey gets up the nerve and drops her pants and sits. One of the women says, “That’s my toilet paper,” and grabs the paper that is next to the toilet. Kelsey asks, “What am I supposed to wipe with?” The smelly girl says in a smart ass way, “Use your hand for all we care. You’re not using that toilet paper, so just forget about it.” Kelsey can’t hold it anymore and drops a duce. The toilet water makes a splashing sound, and it starts to stink. The smelly women yells, “Flush that shit, bitch.” The other two women say, “Down one, drown one.” Kelsey is humiliated. She finally finishes and has to clean herself up with her bare hand in the sink. Kelsey then walks over to the only bunk available, and it’s a top bunk. Kelsey starts to get on the bunk when the woman on the bunk below says, “You better not step on my buck, ho.”

Kelsey pulls herself to the top bunk without touching the woman’s bunk. The woman says, “That’s what I thought, bitch.” Kelsey gets red in the face. The smelly woman says, “You better just shut the fuck up and go to sleep if you know what’s good for you.” Kelsey has reached her boiling point. Kelsey jumps off the bunk and comes down on the smelly women’s shoulders, and they fall to the ground. Kelsey gets on top of the smelly women and starts to beat her in the face as hard as she can. The smelly woman is bleeding as she screams out in pain. Kelsey gets up quickly as the other two women start to get close. Kelsey kicks one woman in the back of the head, causing her face to ram into the top bunk. That woman falls to the floor, holding her nose, crying in pain. Just as Kelsey starts toward the last woman, five guards rush in and slam Kelsey’s head on the bunk. Kelsey is bleeding from the slam. The guards start yelling, “Stop resisting!” Kelsey screams back, “I’m not resisting!” The guards cuff Kelsey and drag her out of the cell. Kelsey is then put in a cell by herself. Kelsey thinks to herself, I get a cell to myself. If this is punishment, I should get in trouble more often. Kelsey walks to the sink and cleans up the best she can. She lies on the bunk and drifts off to sleep. Meanwhile, Victor makes it back to town. It’s still dark outside, and sunrise won’t be for two more hours. Victor decides to install the laptop and cameras while he waits for Kelsey to be arraigned and released on bail. Victor pulls up the street from the warehouse and church. He decides the best way in the tunnel is through the warehouse since he knows the minister lives at the church. Victor carries the box with all the equipment in it to the back door of the warehouse. Victor picks the lock and tiptoes to the office area. He moves the shelves revealing the secret tunnel door. Victor picks that lock and heads down the stairs. Once in the tunnel, Victor finds the place empty. Victor thinks to himself, Perfect timing. Victor rushes to the church side of the tunnel. He sneaks around the crates of explosives, avoiding Donny’s laptop with the camera.

Victor places his own cameras hidden in a crack in the wall just above Donny’s laptop. Victor says to himself, “Now I’ll be seeing what you see.” Then Victor places a camera facing the stairwell to the church. Victor then quickly sneaks back past Donny’s laptop to the tunnel. He places a camera on the tunnel wall facing into the unexplored tunnel. Victor then rushes back into the room under the warehouse. He places a camera facing the tunnel and one facing the hidden door to the warehouse. Victor then goes back up the stairs into the warehouse office. He places a camera facing the secret entrance to the tunnel. Victor then places his little laptop in an air duct that is as close to the front of the warehouse as can be. This will make sure he keeps in range of all the cameras. Victor then walks out the back of the warehouse and makes his way out front. He places a camera facing the warehouse and one facing the church across the street. Victor has one camera left. He says to himself, “Fuck it,” and walks over to the back door of the church. Victor picks the lock and quietly hurries over to the confessional booth. He places the camera hidden, facing the booth. Victor rushes out the back door and locks it. Just as Victor is leaving, the sun starts to rise. Victor thinks to himself, Just in time.

Chapter 17

V ictor drives the rental car over to the holding facility. He finds a nice hidden spot in the shade. Victor takes a nap while he waits for the call from the bondsman announcing Kelsey’s release. Kelsey wakes up to a guard banging on her cell door. The guard says, “Get up. You have to go see the judge.” Kelsey gets off her bunk and starts to wash her face when the door opens and the guard says, “Let’s go.” Kelsey is brought out of her cell and cuffed to four other women who are also being escorted to court. The guards walk one in the front and one in the back. They bring the five women to a cargo van with benches in the back. The women pile in one at a time, trying not to yank the chain and piss off one another. Kelsey is the last one on the chain, so she gets in the van last. The guards slam the door up against Kelsey’s leg. In the van, there are no windows. It’s dark, and the women start to talk. Kelsey doesn’t say a word. She just does her best not to make waves. The van comes to a stop after about fifteen minutes. The door flings open, and the bright sun shines in. Kelsey squints her eyes and steps out of the van. She walks slowly as the other women who are chained to her get out. Once they are all out of the van, one of the guards says, “Let’s go, ladies.” Kelsey is escorted in with the women into another cell where she is released from the cuffs. In the cell is one other woman. They woman says, “How long have you been locked up?” Kelsey says, “I just got brought in yesterday.”

The woman says, “Yea, me too. Is this your first time in jail?” Kelsey says, “Yes.” The woman says, “We are at arraignment court. That’s where the judge tells you your charges and sets your bail.” Kelsey asks, “How long does this usually take?” The woman replies, “This is a pretty small town. It shouldn’t take long at all. Do you have someone on the outside to post your bail?” Kelsey says, “I have a friend who will find a way to get me out.” The woman asks, “Is this a man?” Kelsey says, “Yes.” The woman says, “Well then, don’t get your hopes up. Men tend to disappear when the going gets tough.” Kelsey says, “You don’t know this man. He is a real friend. He won’t leave me here.” The woman said, “That’s what I thought about all my men, and not a one has ever come through for me.” Kelsey says, “My friend will help me.” The woman says, “Keep telling yourself that.” Kelsey starts to get sad and is about to say something when the cell door opens and a guard calls Kelsey’s name. Kelsey gets up and walks out of the cell. The woman says to Kelsey as they are shutting the door, “Good luck.” Kelsey says to the guard as he’s putting on her shackles, “Are all the prisoners this optimistic?” The guard replies, “Keep your mouth shut and your feet moving.” Kelsey is brought into a courtroom where several other prisoners are sitting.

Kelsey walks in with her shackles on and sits on one of the benches. The prisoner next to her is a man. He starts to talk to Kelsey when the judge slams the hammer and says, “No talking in my court.” The room gets quiet. The judge calls out all the names one by one, having the prisoner stand when they are called. Once standing, the prisoners are told their charges and what the bail amount is. Kelsey stands when her name is called. The judge tells her she is being charged with vandalism, grand theft auto, and arson. Since this is the first time in jail, the bail is set at twenty-five thousand dollars. Kelsey starts to panic. She re Victor only has twenty thousand dollars. Kelsey starts to feel paranoid. She thinks, Maybe the woman is right. I might be stuck here. Kelsey starts to cry as she’s being escorted back to her cell. The guard opens the cell door, and the woman is sitting there. Before Kelsey is put in the cell, another guard rounds the corner and yells, “Wait!” He announces that Kelsey has posted bail and to bring her to processing. As the guard shuts the cell door, Kelsey gives the woman a smart-ass look. Kelsey is brought to a room where she gets her street clothes back and has to sign a bunch of papers. Victor is asleep in the car when the phone rings. His bondsman friend says she has posted bail and will be released at the courthouse in about fifteen minutes. Victor starts up the car and rushes over to the courthouse. He parks out front but in a place not too noticeable in case Donny’s watching. After a couple minutes, Kelsey walks out of the courthouse. Victor sees her and pulls to the front of the courthouse where Kelsey sees him. Kelsey smiles real big and runs to the car. She jumps in, and Victor speeds off. Victor drives around and makes sure he’s not being followed. When he sees they’re in the clear, he pulls into a fast-food drive-through. He gets in line to order, and Kelsey says, “You read my mind.” Kelsey then hugs Victor real tight and kisses him on the cheek. Kelsey says, “Thank you so much for getting me out of there.” Victor replies, “I would never leave you in a place like that. Let’s eat, and we will talk about it when we get back to the cabin.”

Kelsey says, “Good idea.” They grab some burgers and head back to the cabin.

Chapter 18

B ack at the cabin, Victor and Kelsey walk in and sit at the kitchen table. Victor asks, “Do you want to talk about what happened?” Kelsey says, “Might as well.” Victor says, “Well, what happened?” Kelsey says, “I went in to check with Jackie like I have been doing. This time, she acted different. She kept saying she didn’t like me following her.” Victor asks, “Did she say anything else?” Kelsey says, “Yes, but it is kind of embarrassing.” Victor says, “What is it? You can tell me.” Kelsey says, “It’s so strange. Jackie walked up to me. She touched my shoulder and whispered in my ear. She then started kissing me and touching me in a sexual way. I just stood there like I was paralyzed. When she was finished touching me, I was still stunned. Jackie left and I stood there mesmerized for about forty-five seconds. I finally shook it off and got myself together. Then as I walked out, two policemen grabbed me, and you know the rest.” Victor says, “You say you were mesmerized. Did it feel anything like a trance?” Kelsey answers, “Yes, exactly like a trance.” Victor asks, “Did Jackie touch you any time before this happened?” Kelsey answers, “As a matter of fact, the other day when I met her in the restroom, she kissed me on the mouth. I felt shocked then but not as bad as this last time.” Victor asks, “When she kissed you, did you try to resist?”

Kelsey says, “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. It’s strange. I was just frozen in a trance. It felt like euphoria. At the moment, I liked the feeling. It was only after that I felt foolish.” Victor says, “I’ve seen this before. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Jackie was performing a seduction spell on you. She did a small one on you the day she kissed you the first time. She then must have wiped her lips on a napkin right after. She had to have some of your DNA to perform the more powerful seduction spell. She must have prepared the night before. Then all she had to do was to touch you. The spell took effect. At that point, the more she touched you, the more powerful the seduction would be. At that point, you would be stunned until she quit touching you. Even then, it would take a moment to wear off before you could move again.” Kelsey says, “That bitch, that’s exactly what happened. Are you mad at me, Victor?” Victor says, “Mad? Why would I be mad?” Kelsey says, “I don’t want you to feel betrayed.” Victor says, “You’re my friend. I don’t feel betrayed.” Kelsey asks, “Does it bother you that I kissed Jackie?” Victor says, “You can kiss anyone you want.” Kelsey says, “But I didn’t want to kiss her. It just happened.” Victor says, “I know. Don’t worry about it. Let’s just forget about it and focus on something else.” Victor pulls out his phone and says, “Check out what I did while you were in the big house.” Victor turns on the phone and shows Kelsey. On the screen is a view of one of the cameras. Victor swipes the screen to the left, and another camera view displays. He does this for all the cameras, then pulls up a screen with all the camera views on it. Kelsey says, “That’s amazing. We can see everything going on and not have to go near there.”

Victor says, “And not a moment too soon. After what happened with Jackie, we better keep our distance.” Kelsey says, “That reminds me. Jackie knows we have been watching Donny in their hotel room. She asked me if I liked what I saw. She said it’s best if I don’t follow her anymore.” Victor says, “I think Donny’s about to make another move. I’m sure he got Jackie to do that spell and get you arrested.” Kelsey says, “Yea, but Jackie seemed to really enjoy doing that spell.” Victor says, “Can you blame her? You’re not that unfortunate looking.” Victor winks at, Kelsey then goes to the restroom. Kelsey blushes and starts playing with Victor’s phone. Kelsey pulls up one of the camera views on the phone. It is the one in the middle of the tunnel facing the unexplored tunnel. Kelsey says to herself, “Where does that tunnel lead?” She then switches views to the camera facing the front of the church. She sees the two injured men walking with the minister in the front door. Kelsey quickly switches to the camera facing the confessional booth. She sees the two men go in and the minister dead-bolt the door behind them. The minister looks around the church, then walks off. Victor steps out of the restroom and asks, “What’s going on?” Kelsey says, “Not much. The two injured men just went in the tunnel and the minister locked the door behind them.” Victor asks, “What about the crates, are they still there?” Kelsey says, “They’re still the way they have always been, just sitting there.” Victor says, “I want to check out that tunnel tonight. I want to see where it leads.” Kelsey says, “I was just thinking that myself.” Victor says, “In the meantime, we have to get eyes on Donny. I know it’s risky, but we should go stake out the hotel and see what he’s doing.”

Kelsey picks up the car keys and says, “I’m driving.” Victor and Kelsey jump into the car and speed off toward the hotel. As they get close, Victor says, “I don’t want to take a chance of them seeing our car. Let’s park a few blocks down and walk the rest of the way.” Kelsey says, “Won’t they see us on the sidewalk?” Victor says, “We will walk in the shadows and blend with the scene.” Kelsey says, “That’s cool.” Kelsey parks the car behind a doughnut shop, and she and Victor start to walk toward the hotel. When they get there, Victor notices the red sports car parked there. Kelsey says, “Let me see the phone.” Kelsey grabs the phone and looks in the lobby bar. She doesn’t see Jackie. She looks into the hotel room, but the curtains are shut. Kelsey says to Victor, “I don’t see them.” Just then three men grab Victor and Kelsey. Then to their surprise, Donny and Jackie are standing there in front of them. Jackie looks at Kelsey and says, “Looking for me? I told you to quit following me, but you don’t listen very well, do you?” Donny says to Victor, “Nice to see you again.” Victor says, “I wish I could say the same.” Donny says to the three men, “Take them away.” The three men shove Victor and Kelsey into a car with dark-tinted windows. The car has a metal grid separating the front from the back. The doors have no handles. Victor says, “This is like a cop car.” Kelsey says, “It does have a lot of similar traits.” The car drives for about two hours then finally comes to a halt. The door flings open, and the three men pull Victor and Kelsey out. Victor notices that they are at the dam. The three men push Victor and Kelsey toward the dam entrance. Kelsey says to Victor, “It looks like the dam is closed. There are no cars here.”

One of the men slaps Kelsey and says, “Shut your fucking mouth, bitch.” Victor gets pissed. He kicks the guy who slapped Kelsey in the shin. The guy grabs his shin, and another punches Victor in the jaw. The men bring Victor and Kelsey to the entrance and open the door. The men kick Victor and Kelsey in the back, shoving them into the dam. The men follow them into the dam and lock the door behind them. One of the men pulls out a gun and points it at Victor and Kelsey and says, “Move it.” Kelsey grabs tight to Victor’s arm. Victor pats Kelsey’s arm to let her know everything is fine. As they are turning a corner, Victor turns quickly and kicks the gun out of the man’s hand. Kelsey runs up to the man who had the gun and starts punching him repeatedly in the stomach. Victor takes on the other two men at once. Victor punches one while kicking the other. Victor puts on a display that can only be explained as a kung fu movie. Victor totally beats the shit out of the two men. They are on the ground bleeding and barely breathing. Victor turns to the man Kelsey is still punching and does a jump kick and knocks the guy away for Kelsey. Victor then comes down on the guy with a bunch of quick punches to his face. The guy is on the ground and says to Victor, “You’ll never get away with this.” Victor says, “Watch me,” then kicks the guy in the face, and the guy es out. Victor extends his hand to Kelsey. Kelsey grabs it, and Victor leads them out of the dam. Once outside, Victor says, “We will have to take their car.” Kelsey says, “This time, I won’t get caught.” Victor laughs and says, “You better not.” Kelsey hot-wires the car and drives her and Victor back to town. Victor says, “I want to return this car. This time, just park it somewhere and don’t burn anything.” Kelsey slaps Victor on the arm in a playful way and smiles big. Kelsey pulls behind the doughnut shop, and Victor gets out of the car and gets into the rental they left parked there.

Kelsey says, “I’m just going to park this on the street somewhere. Follow me and pick me up.” Victor follows Kelsey. Kelsey drives the car to a tow-away zone in front of the courthouse. She parks it and gets in the rental car with Victor. Victor says, “Now that’s a lot more peaceful. It’s also pretty clever.” Kelsey smiles and says, “Move over, I’m driving.” They grab some fast food and head back to the cabin.

Chapter 19

B ack at the cabin, Kelsey helps clean up the small wounds Victor acquired during the fight at the dam. Victor says, “It’s only a few scratches.” Kelsey says, “I’ll feel better if they are cleaned up and have some ointment on them.” Victor says, “You’re right. Thanks for doing that.” Kelsey says, “My pleasure.” Victor says, “I guess that was a pretty bad idea, checking out the hotel?” Kelsey says, “Well, we did see Donny. It may have turned out different than we expected. However, we did get away from those men. I’m sure they are having a bitch of a time getting back to town.” Victor laughs a little and says, “You can say that.” Kelsey says, “It’s getting close to dark. Are you still up for exploring that mystery tunnel?” Victor says, “You bet ya. Let’s just keep an eye on things with the phone. Once things settle down, we can make our move.” Victor picks up his phone and pulls up the screen with all the cameras. Victor says, “It looks like something is happening at the church side of the tunnel.” Kelsey leans in to take a look. Victor and Kelsey see Donny standing next to the crates. He has a large package in his hands. He sets the package on one of the crates and opens it. Donny pulls out an extension cord. He then chops it in half. He sets the side that plugs into the wall on the crate, then tosses the other side in the garbage.

Donny continues to do this with all the cords until the box is empty. Donny leaves the plug side of the cords stacked neatly on top of one of the crates. He then carries the trash bag with the other half of the cords out of the tunnel. Victor says to Kelsey, “We have to keep an eye on him. I don’t know exactly what he intends to do with those cords and explosives. I’m sure it isn’t pretty.” Kelsey then gets up and starts to massage Victor’s shoulders. Victor leans back and closes his eyes and just enjoys the satisfaction of her touch. Kelsey rubs Victor’s shoulders for about five minutes, then pats him on the back and says, “I better get ready.” She then goes into the restroom, leaving the door slightly cracked, and strips down and gets into the shower. Victor is shy. He has never been good at reading women’s signals. Victor feels very aroused. He just swallows hard and continues to study the camera views. Kelsey finishes her shower and yells, “Victor!” Victor walks to the door and says, “What is it?” Kelsey says, “Will you hand me my towel? I left it way over on the sink.” Victor walks into the steamy bathroom and grabs the towel he walks over and hands it to Kelsey who has the shower curtain wrapped around her. Kelsey says, “Thanks.” Victor walks out of the restroom feeling even more aroused. Once Kelsey is out of the restroom, Victor gets cleaned up. While Victor is in the shower, Kelsey watches the tunnel to see if there is any action. Victor finishes his shower and walks over to Kelsey. He asks, “How’s it looking?” Kelsey slaps his butt and says, “Not bad.” Victor says, “I mean the tunnel.” Kelsey says, “I know, I’m just playing with you.” Victor says in a shy way, “Oh, I knew that.”

Kelsey says, “There is not a lot of action in the tunnel today. They are mostly in the upper warehouse.” Victor asks, “What’s going on there?” Kelsey replies, “There’s only one camera in the warehouse, so all I can see is part of the office area. What I do see is Jackie sitting at the laptop, looking up what appears to be event planners.” Victor says, “First Donny looks up caterers and decorations, now Jackie is looking up event planners. They’re planning something that will involve a lot of people.” Kelsey says, “It looks like Jackie’s finishing up. Donny just walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek. She’s getting up, and they are walking out together.” Victor says, “We’ll give them an hour. If things stay quiet, we will go check out the tunnel.” After an hour, Kelsey says to Victor, “It’s showtime.” Victor gets up and grabs his phone. Kelsey grabs the rental car keys. They walk out of the cabin and get into the car. Kelsey starts the car and slams it into gear. They park in front of the church across from the warehouse. Victor says, “Donny and Jackie have never seen this car. It blends with these other cars parked out here. I can keep an eye on the car since it’s in the view of the camera.” Kelsey says, “That works for me.” Victor and Kelsey walk to the back of the warehouse. They pick the lock and quietly walk to the office area. Victor keeps an eye on the cameras as they walk. When they get to the office, Victor copies all the data from the laptop. Victor says, “I’ll look through this later.” Kelsey pulls the shelves away from the hidden door. Victor opens the door and walks down the stairs. Kelsey pulls the door and shelves back into place to keep people from knowing they are there. They get to the bottom of the stairs. Victor looks around and checks the other side of the tunnel with his phone. On the church side of the tunnel, the two injured men are sleeping on the cots

near the crates. Victor says, “We will have to be quiet. Those men are asleep over on the other side. I don’t want to wake them.” Kelsey says, “No problem.” Victor and Kelsey make their way to the middle tunnel. When they get there, Victor turns on the flashlight app. Kelsey follows close as they walk down the tunnel. The tunnel is very long. It looks like it has been there for years. Victor says, “I bet this is part of an old speakeasy from during Prohibition.” Kelsey says, “I bet you’re right.” Victor says, “It sure is a long tunnel. It looks to be headed straight for city hall.” Victor and Kelsey get to the end of the tunnel, and sure enough, it is connected to city hall. The tunnel opens to a hidden door in the basement where all the records are kept. Victor says, “Now we know where Donny is getting all those files from.” Victor looks at his phone and notices something. He says to Kelsey, “We have a situation.” He stands close to Kelsey and shows her the phone. They see Donny and Jackie in the warehouse side of the basement. They are looking at some records from a box. Victor says, “That’s most likely their next target.” Kelsey says, “No doubt.” Victor and Kelsey huddle around the phone for an hour watching Donny and Jackie read and talk. Jackie finally stands up and walks over to Donny. She starts to rub his crotch. Donny stands up, and Jackie kisses him, then leads him up the stairs and out of the tunnel. Kelsey says, “I guess they will be busy for a while.” Victor says, “It looks like they are headed back to the hotel. Let’s get a look at those files they were looking at.” Kelsey says, “That’s what I was thinking.” Victor leads Kelsey back down the tunnel to the warehouse side. They look in the files Donny and Jackie were studying. They see the file of a very wealthy

man and his wife. Victor copies the file with the scanner app on his phone. Kelsey asks, “Do you want to get out of here?” Victor says, “Yes, we can read this when we are back at a safe spot.” Kelsey walks up the stairs and looks at Victor. Victor looks at the camera on his phone and then motions to Kelsey that it’s clear. Kelsey opens the door and grabs Victor’s hand and helps him into the office. Kelsey then puts the shelves back the way they were. Victor says, “Let’s go.” They walk out of the warehouse through the back. Victor and Kelsey get in the car and drive off.

Chapter 20

V ictor and Kelsey are hungry, so they pull behind the doughnut shop. Victor says to Kelsey, “This place is as safe as any. Here we can study that file and get a bite to eat.” Kelsey says, “Will you grab me an ice coffee with two shots of espresso in it?” Victor says, “That sounds good.” Victor goes in the doughnut shop and gets the food and coffee. Kelsey stretches her arms and lies back and closes her eyes while she waits for Victor. Victor returns with the coffee and some doughnuts. Kelsey sits up and says, “Thanks.” Victor pulls out his phone and looks at it while he sips his coffee. Victor says, “This wealthy man owns half of the town. He lives in that huge ranch on the outskirts of town with his wife.” Kelsey says, “What do you think Donny wants with him?” Victor says, “This is a powerful man in this town. Most of the town respects this man. If Donny can gain his trust, then he could influence the town through this guy.” Victor says, “I have the address. We should go there today and find a spot to lie low and keep an eye on things. I have a feeling Donny will show up at some point.” Kelsey takes a gulp of her coffee and says, “That sounds good. Which way am I headed?” Victor gives her the directions, and they drive off. They come to this nice ranch. It has a pond on it and a barn. Victor sees a grove of trees and says, “We should hide the car in there.” Kelsey pulls off the road and drives the car through the grass into the trees. She parks the car, and Victor and

her get out. They walk to the edge of the tree line and use the phone to check out the house. They see that not much is happening. Victor says to Kelsey, “Why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll keep an eye on things and wake you when something happens.” Kelsey says, “That’s sweet of you.” Kelsey gets in the back of the car and lies down for a nap. Victor climbs up in a tree and gets a better view of the whole ranch. He sees some workers in the field harvesting some crops. Everything looks normal. After about two hours, he sees the red sports car pull up the driveway to the house. Victor calls out to Kelsey. Kelsey wakes and says, “What are you doing in that tree?” Victor says, “Never mind that. Donny and Jackie just pulled up to the house.” Kelsey gets out of the car and climbs the tree and sits on a branch next to Victor. Kelsey says, “What’s going on?” Victor shows her the phone. They see Donny and Jackie get out of their car and knock on the farmhouse door. They see the wealthy man open the door and shake Donny’s hand and give Jackie a hug. The wealthy man calls to his wife, then offers Donny and Jackie a drink. The wife walks out, and all four of them sit at a table on the porch. A servant walks out with a pitcher of beer and four glasses. The servant pours everyone a glass, then walks back into the house. The wealthy man says to Donny, “I’m glad you made it. After I heard about all the satisfied people you read, I just had to get a reading myself.” Donny says, “It’s an honor to give you a reading, sir.” Jackie pulls out the tarot cards and starts to shuffle them. She places the cards on the table, and Donny reads the wealthy man his fortune. The wealthy man looks so happy. His wife starts to cry tears of joy and hugs the wealthy man. Kelsey says to Victor, “What a sham.”

Victor says, “The man is like butter in Donny’s hands.” Kelsey says, “Looks like Donny has a new follower.” Victor says, “Now look what’s happening.” Jackie is standing close to the wealthy man and is rubbing his back. The wealthy man’s wife is holding Jackie’s hand. Donny is telling the man about a big event that’s coming up in a week. Donny invites the man and asks for a donation for the event. The man pulls out his checkbook as Jackie is rubbing his back. The man’s wife just sits there holding Jackie’s hand while her husband writes a big check and hands it to Donny. Jackie then kisses both the wealthy man and his wife on their foreheads. Donny stands up, and Jackie walks over to him and puts her arm around him. Donny says thank you to the wealthy man and his wife. Jackie then walks with Donny back to the red sports car, and they drive off. The wealthy man and his wife just sit at the table doing nothing for about a minute. Then they get up and kiss each other ionately and walk into the house. All of a sudden, Victor and Kelsey hear a gunshot. Victor says, “That’s not good. We have to go check that out.” Kelsey jumps down from the tree, and Victor follows. They jump in their rental car and speed to the farmhouse. Victor jumps out and says, “Stay behind me.” Kelsey follows close to Victor. Victor kicks open the farmhouse door and sees the servant lying on the floor in a pool of blood. The wealthy man and his wife are naked having sex in the blood next to the dead servant. Kelsey screams, “What the fuck!” The wealthy man and his wife just keep having sex. Kelsey says, “How can they do that?” Victor says, “They are in a trance. Donny and Jackie must have hypnotized them somehow.” Victor says, “They are still in the trance, so we better be careful. Look what they did to the servant.”

The wealthy man’s wife says to Kelsey, “Won’t you us?” Kelsey says, “I’m not in the mood.” The woman says, “That’s too bad,” and picks up a gun and starts to shoot it at Kelsey. Victor kicks the gun out of the woman’s hand before she does any damage. The woman just leans down and starts sucking her husband’s penis. Victor says, “It might be a while before the hypnosis wears off. Let’s get out of here and call the cops.” Victor grabs Kelsey’s hand and helps her out of the farmhouse to the car. They start to drive down the driveway when they hear a gunshot. Kelsey looks back and sees the woman standing naked, rubbing herself and shooting the gun at them. The wealthy man walks out and bends the woman over and slides his penis into her. The woman drops the gun and falls to her hands and knees spreading her legs. Kelsey says, “That’s some fucked-up shit.” Victor says, “Donny and Jackie must have done some magic on those people. I have never seen anything like that before.” Victor then picks up his phone and calls the cops and leaves an anonymous message describing the events at the ranch. Victor hangs up the phone and says, “Donny got that man to write a check. I wonder how big it was.” Kelsey says, “Their entire savings, no doubt.” Victor says, “Donny was definitely done with that man. I thought Donny wanted that man to help influence the town.” Kelsey says, “Perhaps Donny was threatened by the man’s influence and wanted to discredit him.” Victor says, “I think you’re right about that.” Victor and Kelsey go back to the cabin to regroup. After taking long shower and washing the events of the day off, they gather at the kitchen table. Kelsey says, “Let’s turn on the news.”

Victor turns on the news with his phone. On every channel, they see the farmhouse. The footage shows the cops dragging the wealthy man and his wife off the porch in handcuffs. The man and woman are naked and covered in blood. The hypnosis must not have worn off yet because even though it’s blurred, Victor and Kelsey can see that the man’s penis is still erect and throbbing. Kelsey says, “After seeing that, I don’t feel so bad about what happened to me.” Victor says, “Donny and Jackie are very powerful. We will have to plan our next moves with caution.” Kelsey asks, “Why are you so calm about this?” Victor answers, “My brain condition actually works to my advantage. Their deceptive lies have no power over me. That’s the reason Donny wants me dead.” Kelsey says, “Doesn’t Donny wanting you dead scare you just a little?” Victor smiles and says, “That’s what Donny wants. I know for a fact he can’t hurt me. That gives me confidence. Donny hates my confidence. I’ve dealt with guys like him before.” Kelsey says, “You have seen stuff like this happen before?” Victor says, “Not near this bad, but yes.” Kelsey asks, “What do we do now?” Victor says, “We should be thankful we have this cabin and nobody knows about it. We should take advantage of the moment and get some sleep. I want to clear my head and be ready. I can tell you now it’s going to be a hell of a week.

Chapter 21

T he next morning, Victor wakes to see Kelsey staring out the window. Victor says, “You’re up bright and early.” Kelsey says, “I woke up and couldn’t fall back to sleep.” Victor says, “That was quite a day yesterday.” Kelsey says, “That’s an understatement.” Victor picks up his phone and checks the cameras. Kelsey brews a pot of coffee. Victor says, “That sure smells good.” Kelsey asks, “Is anything happening on the cameras?” Victor says, “Just the two men by the crates. They are playing rummy.” Kelsey asks, “Any sign of Donny and Jackie?” Victor replies, “Not yet, but it’s still early.” Kelsey pours Victor a cup of coffee and hands it to him. Victor says, “Thanks.” Kelsey says, “What do you want to do today?” Victor says, “You mean besides taking a long vacation far from here?” Kelsey says in a sarcastic tone, “Ha ha.” Victor says, “I guess we should start by sifting through the files from the warehouse laptop. I want to find out more on this event planner.” Victor sifts through the files and says, “Here is something. There is only one event planner around this area. It’s a man, and he lives in an apartment building downtown. His home and business address are the same. Jackie had this man’s

website bookmarked. We should check this guy out.” Victor drinks down the rest of his coffee and goes to the restroom to get ready. Kelsey is already dressed. She just paces back and forth nervously while she waits for Victor. Victor comes out of the restroom clean and smelling great. Kelsey says, “You smell amazing.” Victor says, “Thanks. It’s cologne I found behind the mirror over the bathroom sink.” Kelsey says, “You never wear cologne. What’s the occasion?” Victor says, “Nothing. I just thought you might like it.” Kelsey says, “That’s sweet of you. I love it. Thanks.” Victor asks, “Are you going to be OK?” Kelsey says, “Of course. Why do you ask?” Victor says, “Yesterday was quite disturbing. I mean, you were shot at. I just want to make sure you are not shaken up by it.” Kelsey boldly says, “It will take a lot more than that to shake me up.” Then she thinks to herself, But not much more. Victor says, “Glad to hear that. Let’s visit the event planner and ask him some questions.” Kelsey says, “OK,” and grabs the keys and walks to the car. Victor and Kelsey drive to town and park at the apartment where the event planner works and lives. Victor asks Kelsey, “Are you sure you’re up to this?” Kelsey says, “Quit worrying about me. I’m fine.” Victor says, “All right, let’s go visit this guy. Let me do most of the talking and follow my lead.” Kelsey nods her head yes and follows Victor into the apartment building.

They get to the event planer’s door and ring the bell. The event planner opens the door and says, “May I help you?” Victor says, “I want to have a party and was hoping you could help me plan it.” The event planner says, “I can help so long as it’s not within the next two weeks.” Victor asks, “Why not in the next two weeks?” The event planner says, “I’m planning a huge event that almost everyone in the town will be attending. It’s at this big warehouse.” Victor asks, “Is it the one at the warehouse across from that church?” The event planner says, “Yes, that’s the one. I see you already know about it.” Victor says, “I know a little. What’s the event regarding?” The planner says, “It’s a big party that will have a show.” Victor asks, “What kind of show?” The planner says, “A magic show.” Victor asks, “Who is starring in it?” The planner says, “Donny the Great and his assistant Jackie. Maybe you’ve seen them around town. The people here just love them.” Victor says, “I know who they are. What day is the show?” The planner says, “The last Saturday this month. That’s about two weeks away. I have a lot of work to do getting the warehouse ready. What kind of party do you want me to help you plan?” Victor says, “It sounds like you have your hands full. How about I check back with you in a couple weeks?” The planner says, “That will be great. What did you say your name was again?”

Victor says, “I didn’t,” and walks away. Victor walks with Kelsey to the rental car. Kelsey says as they’re driving off, “At least we know when they are going to have a show.” Victor says, “I’m sure there’s more to that show than meets the eye.” Kelsey says, “After what I saw yesterday, there’s no doubt about that.”

Chapter 22

V ictor and Kelsey pull into a fast-food t to get something to eat. As they are waiting in the drive-through, Victor looks at his phone and says, “We have a lot of movement in the tunnel.” Kelsey asks, “What’s going on?” Victor says, “The three men are talking with the two injured men. They have a big box and are opening it.” Kelsey says, “I wonder what’s in it.” Victor says, “They are pulling out what looks to be a bunch of black backpacks.” Kelsey asks, “What’s in them?” Victor replies, “Nothing, they are just empty backpacks.” Victor is watching the phone when, all of a sudden, he sees Jackie walk into the room. She walks up to the backpacks. She picks one up then tosses it to the side. Donny walks into the room right behind her. Donny motions for the men to clear out. The men leave the room. The only people left are Donny and Jackie. Jackie takes off her shirt. She then sits on one of the crates. She calls Donny over using her finger. Donny walks up, and Jackie wraps her legs around him. Jackie starts to kiss Donny while putting her hands down the front of his pants. Jackie rubs and squeezes Donny’s penis. This makes Donny’s penis swell up big and get real hard. Donny is overwhelmed with ion. Donny grabs Jackie’s pants and pulls them off. Jackie sits on the crate naked with her legs spread. Donny bends down and sticks his tong deep into her vagina. Jackie leans her head back and lets out a big breath. Donny stands, and Jackie sits up. Jackie pulls Donny’s pants down and takes his penis into her mouth.

While sucking his penis, Jackie sticks her middle finger into Donny’s anus. Donny gets even more aroused. Donny pushes Jackie onto her back and spreads her legs up over his shoulders. Donny then thrusts his penis into her as deep as possible. Jackie grabs hold of Donny and pulls his ass into her and squeezes his cheeks. Donny thrusts faster and faster. Jackie tosses her head back and forth. Donny grabs Jackie’s ass and pulls her crotch tight against his as he ejaculates deep into Jackie’s vagina. Jackie lies back, rubbing her clit rapidly. Her vagina clenches tight and throbs intensely as she cums extremely hard while Donny is still throbbing and squirting into her. Donny gets off Jackie and puts his clothes back on. Jackie stands up off the crate. She remains naked. She has juices dripping out of her vagina and running down her leg. She just leaves it there and starts to write on a piece of paper. She then walks over to the hidden camera and holds the paper up to it. It says, “This is the last free show.” Jackie then pulls the camera out of the crack in the wall and throws it to the ground. Donny walks over and smashes it with his boot. Victor says to Kelsey, “They found the camera by the crates.” Victor then looks to see a different camera view. He discovers that all the cameras are disabled. Victor says to Kelsey, “They must have found the laptop and destroyed it. That brought down all my cameras.” Kelsey says, “That sucks.” Victor says, “Tell me about it. Now we have to figure out what they are planning with those explosives. We have a lot of pieces to the puzzle. We just have to piece them together.” Just then a horn honks from the car behind Victor and Kelsey. The drive-through cleared as they are viewing the phone. Kelsey waves at the car in her rear view and pulls up to the speaker. Kelsey orders the food for her and Victor. She then pulls up to the window. Victor hands Kelsey a wad of cash, and Kelsey pays for the food. They get their food and drive off. Victor just sits there eating his food while sifting through all the data on his phone. Kelsey drives them back to the cabin. As she pulls up to the cabin, Victor blurts out, “I think I have something.”

Victor says, “We have to go see the event planner.” Kelsey says, “OK,” and they drive straight to the event planner’s apartment. They arrive at the event planner’s place and park the car. Victor and Kelsey get out and go inside the building. As they are walking up the stairs, Victor says, “We have to convince him to tell us his plans for the warehouse party.” When they get to the planner’s door, they find it cracked open. Victor knocks, but there is no answer. Victor says, “Something’s not right.” Victor pushes open the door. Kelsey follows Victor into the apartment. When they get in, they see blood on the floor. There is a trail of blood leading to the restroom. Victor says, “Stay close and be careful.” Victor slowly pushes the restroom door open. It smells like a dirty public restroom. Victor sees the planner lying naked on his side on the floor. He has a knife stuck in his back. The planner is covered in blood. He has excrement and urine all on and around his crotch. Victor kneels down and feels the planner for a pulse. Victor looks up at Kelsey and says, “He’s gone.” Kelsey says, “We better get out of here before someone sees us and thinks we did this.” Victor says, “You’re right.” Victor takes out his phone and quickly takes pictures of the whole apartment. Victor grabs Kelsey’s hand and pulls her toward the door. As they are leaving, Kelsey pulls the apartment door shut. Victor guides Kelsey quickly down the stairs. They make it to the car and start to drive off. As they are driving away, they two police cars. Kelsey looks in the rear view mirror. She sees the cops pull in front of the apartment and run inside. Kelsey says to Victor, “That was a close one.” Victor says, “A little too close, if you ask me.” Kelsey says, “The planner must have known more than they wanted him to know.”

Victor says, “Whatever Donny has planned could happen any time now. Be ready for anything.”

Chapter 23

V ictor and Kelsey drive down the street that has the church and the warehouse on it. To their surprise, they see cars parked on both sides of the street. The street is packed with cars. The cars are real thick around the warehouse and the church. Victor says to Kelsey, “It looks as if something is happening at the warehouse.” Kelsey says, “Let’s check it out.” Kelsey pulls the rental car closer to the church and warehouse. She drives by slowly. When Kelsey and Victor get to the front of the warehouse, they see a bunch of people walking out wearing black backpacks. Victor says, “It looks like Donny’s plan is starting now.” Kelsey says, “The backpacks look full. I wonder what’s in them.” Victor says, “Explosives would be my guess.” They see an electrical plug hanging out of one of the people’s backpacks. Victor says, “Let’s follow some people and see where they go.” Kelsey stays close to a guy. The guy gets in his car and drives to a grocery store. The guy gets out of the car and walks in with the backpack. Victor says, “This doesn’t look good.” They look across the street and see a woman walking into the library wearing a backpack. Kelsey says, “All the people wearing backpacks are walking into public buildings. This is not good. What can we do?” Just as Kelsey finishes saying that, all the power shuts off in the entire city. It’s a total blackout. Victor says, “Look.”

Kelsey looks at were Victor is pointing. They see a person plugging in a backpack. They look at other buildings and see the other people plugging in their backpacks. Victor says, “That’s it. The backpacks are packed with explosives. The plug acts as a detonator. Soon as the power comes back on, all these backpacks will detonate and destroy the entire city.” Kelsey asks, “What can we do to stop it?” Victor answers, “We must keep the power from coming back on. My guess is Donny is at the dam. He has the main power shut off.” Kelsey says, “There is no way we can make it to the dam before Donny switches back on the power.” Victor says, “That’s true, but we can make it to the power station just outside of town. There we can disable the station, and that will keep the power off.” Kelsey slams on the gas and drives herself and Victor to the power station. They get to the power station in record time. Victor sees a truck outside. He says to Kelsey, “The inspector is here. He’s probably trying to determine how the power went out. We have to get him out of here so I can destroy those main power lines leading to the town.” Kelsey says, “I have an idea.” Kelsey punches the gas. She slams the car through the gate into the power station. The inspector comes running out to see what all the commotion is. Kelsey jumps out of the car. She runs to the man and tackles him. With very little struggle, she manages to pin the inspector. She yells to Victor, “Toss me that strand of wire.” Victor looks on the ground and sees a strand of wire. He picks it up and throws it to Kelsey. Kelsey ties the inspector up and leaves him sitting up against the gate. Victor says, “We have to take out those lines.” Kelsey jumps into the inspector’s truck. With luck, the keys are in the ignition. She starts the truck and revs up the engine. Kelsey throws the truck into gear and

drives it straight for the power poles. She jumps out of the truck and rolls through the grass. The truck speeds right into the power pole. The pole starts to fall toward the other power pole. This causes a domino effect and takes down all the poles leading to the city. Victor runs to the poles. He sees the inspector’s truck. Victor opens the toolbox in the back of the truck. Victor pulls out a pair of bolt cutters. Victor runs to the power pole tops that are lying on the ground. For good measure, Victor cuts all the wires on all the poles leading to the city. Victor yells to Kelsey, “Are you OK?” Kelsey says, “Never better.” Victor says, “We have to get back to the town.” Kelsey then gets up and stumbles back to the rental. As she’s getting in the car, she says to the inspector, “You better start walking away from here. Sorry for the inconvenience.” Kelsey starts up the car and drives over to Victor. Victor jumps in the rental car. Kelsey speeds off toward the town. As they’re driving, Victor says to Kelsey, “You did a great job back there. That quick thinking saved a lot of lives.” Kelsey says, “My pleasure.” She then leans over and kisses Victor on the cheek. Victor blushes and says, “Let’s get to the warehouse.” Kelsey says, “I’m on it.” Kelsey puts the pedal to the metal. They pull up to the warehouse, and the rental car skids to a stop. Victor jumps out and runs to the front door. Kelsey follows close behind. The door is locked. Victor does a jump kick and busts down the door. They find the warehouse empty. Kelsey says, “The tunnel.” Victor runs to the tunnel entrance and busts down the shelves in front of the hidden door. Kelsey opens the tunnel door, and Victor leads the way into the tunnel. When they get into the tunnel, they see Jackie. She is naked and having sex with the two injured men. Jackie is on all fours. One man is penetrating her vagina from behind. The other has his penis in Jackie’s mouth. The two men are kissing

each other over the top of Jackie. Jackie sees Victor and Kelsey and says to the two men, “Get them.” The two injured men get up and start to limp toward Victor and Kelsey. Jackie jumps up and puts on a bathrobe. Kelsey says to Victor, “This is pathetic.” Kelsey then kicks one of the men in his balls. She then grabs the other man’s balls and starts to squeeze. The man cries out in pain, then es out. The other is lying on the ground holding his crotch. Kelsey walks up to him and kicks him in the nose. The man es out. Jackie calls from across the room. She says, “It’s too late.” Jackie then picks up a cell phone and calls Donny. She says on the phone to Donny, “Turn the power back on.” Donny responds back, “I already did.” Jackie says, “Nothing happened. Something’s wrong.” Victor says, “What’s the matter? Did your bombs turn out to be duds?” Jackie says, “That’s impossible. They were all hypnotized under my seduction spell. They were to plug in the backpacks when the power went out. Then they were to have sex with each other and forget about the backpacks. Then when the power came back on, they would all be dead and the town destroyed.” Kelsey says, “Sounds like the perfect plan. There’s one thing you didn’t consider.” Jackie says, “What’s that?” Kelsey says, “You didn’t expect Victor to cut the power supply at the power station.” Jackie then pulls out a gun. She points it at Kelsey and says, “Get on your knees.” Then she points it at Victor and says, “Don’t get any funny ideas.” Jackie then pulls out a napkin in a plastic bag. Jackie says to Kelsey, “This is some of your vaginal fluids. I got these last time we met in the restroom. With these I can put a seduction spell on you so powerful you can’t resist.” Jackie then pulls the napkin out of the bag and places it on the table. She then

lights a candle with Kelsey’s name engraved in it. She sets the candle on the napkin. Jackie then chants some words as the candle burns. As Jackie chants, Kelsey starts to get extremely aroused. Her vagina starts to get wet. She gets so wet her pants start to drip on the ground. Jackie says, “I can smell your lushes’ juices.” The candle burns all the way down, and Kelsey falls to her side. Kelsey pulls her pants open and slides her fingers into her panties. Kelsey starts to rub her clit. She then slides her whole hand into her vagina. Kelsey moans out with pleasure and pain. Jackie turns to Victor pointing the gun at him. She says, “There’s nothing you can do about it.” Victor says, “Your magic doesn’t affect me.” Jackie says, “I know. There’s a lot I know about you, Victor.” Victor says, “You don’t know a thing about me.” Jackie says, “I know my spells won’t work on you. This gun on the other hand should do the trick.” Jackie pulls the trigger, and the gun jams. Jackie says, “That’s impossible.” Jackie pulls out a shotgun and points it at Victor’s head. Jackie says, “Dodge this, fucker.” Jackie pulls the trigger, and the gun also jams. Victor says, “There’s one thing you can never change. My father will never forsake me, bitch.” Victor walks over to Kelsey and touches her back. Kelsey immediately snaps out of the trance. Kelsey looks shaken up as she zips up her wet pants and stands back on her feet. Victor says to Kelsey, “Stand back.” Kelsey gets behind Victor. Jackie says, “Very impressive.” Jackie gets on her cell phone and tells Donny to get to the power station and turn the power back on. Victor says, “It sounds like you are the one in charge, not Donny.” Jackie says, “Donny is my bitch. He does whatever I say. He has been under my spell for a long time.” Victor says, “I knew one day you would come to try and destroy the earth. I just

thought you would be a man.” Jackie says, “Being a woman is so much easier to seduce the people.” Victor says, “Man or woman, it doesn’t matter. The first time around, you had your chance. You tried your best to kill me. You had all the people beat me and spit on me. You even had them strip me down and rip my skin off as they screamed hateful things at me.” Jackie says, “Yea, that was fun.” Victor says, “Well, the fun is over for you. You had your chance, and I’m still alive. Now it’s my turn. You know one thing about me—I never fail.” Jackie says, “After all those people did to you back then, how could you possible still love them?” Victor says, “You know good and damn well they were under your spell and did not know what they were doing.” Jackie says, “Now you know what I look like these days.” Victor says, “Now you know I’m back.” Jackie says, “This will be fun. I’ve been waiting a long time for your return.” Victor says, “This will be fun, for me. As for you, you better just keep running. You have no idea what my father has planned.” Jackie says, “Till next time.” Jackie runs to the church side and runs up the stairs. Victor says to Kelsey, “This isn’t over yet. We must get all those bombs unplugged before Jackie gets the power back on. She is headed for the power station now. We must hurry.” Victor grabs Kelsey’s hand and says, “Come on.” Kelsey gets a burst of positive energy when Victor touches her. She feels totally confident. Victor asks, “How do you feel?” Kelsey says, “Extremely better.”

Victor says, “Good. Let’s get this town defused.” Victor and Kelsey go outside in front of the warehouse. Victor says, “All those people went to the downtown area. You start on this side of the street, and I’ll start way down there on the other side of the street. We will go into all these public buildings and unplug the backpacks. Be sure and cut the cords so nobody can plug them back in. Then carry the backpack out of the buildings and stash them in the trash cans for now.” Victor jumps in the rental car and drives to the end of the street. He goes in the first building and sees the backpack. All around the backpack, the people are naked and having a huge orgy. Victor just ignores this and grabs the backpack. Kelsey starts gathering backpacks. She also encounters people who are naked having orgies. The whole street smells strongly of sex. Victor and Kelsey work their way down the street. They cross back and forth until they meet in the middle. Victor says, “Now let’s go collect all the backpacks from the trash cans.” Kelsey says, “You got it.” She jumps into the rental and drives slowly down the street as Victor opens each trash can and puts the backpacks into the backseat of the car. Kelsey asks, “Now what?” Victor says, “We must get these explosives out of town.” Kelsey says, “Get in.” Victor jumps into the car and Kelsey speeds off toward the power station outside of town. Victor says, “Where are you going?” Kelsey says, “I’m going to get that bitch for this.” They get to the power station. Kelsey pulls about three hundred yards from the main gate and tells Victor to get out of the car. Victor gets out of the rental. Kelsey pins the gas pedal down with her shoe and jumps out of the car. The car accelerates faster and faster toward the power plant. Jackie is trying to hook the wires back up when she looks up and sees the rental car speeding at her. The car

smashes into the main gate right by Jackie. The car immediately explodes, causing the whole station to be destroyed. The power station is engulfed in flames for about an hour before fire trucks arrive to extinguish the fire. Kelsey says to Victor as they watch the firemen put out the fire, “I wonder what’s left of that bitch Jackie?” Just then Victor’s phone rings. Victor says, “I wonder who that could be.” Victor answers the phone. Victor says, “Who is this?” Jackie says, “This isn’t over, Victor. Not by a long shot. If you think I’m just going to hand you back the earth, you better think again.” Victor says, “This is my time. Your time is up, Jackie.” Jackie says, “I won’t go down without a fight.” Victor says, “Father said you would be sour. I’ll see you again soon, Jackie.” Jackie says, “You can count on it.” Victor turns to Kelsey and says, “That was Jackie. She’s gone for now. I’m sure she will pop up somewhere in the world sooner or later.” Kelsey says, “That was some crazy stuff that happened back in the tunnel.” Victor sees Kelsey is starting to feel ashamed at what happened when she was under the spell. Victor touches Kelsey’s arm, and all the shame leaves her. Kelsey feels great and says, “How did you do that?” Victor says, “Do what?” Kelsey says, “You touched me and made me feel better.” Victor says, “That’s what friends do.” Kelsey looks at the burnt power station and says, “Sorry about the rental car.” Victor says, “That’s why I got the best insurance they had. After the limo

incident, I figured, better safe than sorry.” Victor and Kelsey laugh. Victor puts his arm around Kelsey, and they walk off into the sunset.